BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal are joining forces to celebrate Scotland’s community heroes with the launch of the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2025.
Led by Mornings presenter Kaye Adams, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal are calling on listeners to nominate their local heroes.
The Make a Difference Awards launches for the first time in Scotland this year. The awards, which began in England in 2022, aim to celebrate and recognise people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities, with the goal to shine a light on these everyday, unsung heroes.
There are 8 categories, including the Community Group Award for a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community; the Young Hero Award, which will honour an individual under the age of 16 who has made a significant positive impact in their community; and the Active Award, which will recognise individuals or groups who have used physical activity or sport to improve the lives of those in their community.
Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category.
Winners will be announced at the Make a Difference Awards ceremony in September.
Kaye Adams said:
Heroes came in all shapes and guises and if you have one in your community, we want to hear all about them. This is your chance to help shine a light on the people who quietly ‘Make A Difference’, whether it is your neighbour, a local fundraiser, volunteer or even a remarkable pet. The Make A Difference Awards are coming to Scotland for the very first time so let us know who goes the extra mile where you live.
Nominations are now open and will close on Monday 31 March 2025 at 5:00pm. For a full list of categories - and details of how to nominate someone, go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see full terms and our Privacy Notice.
Categories 2025:
- The Volunteer Award - awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
- The Young Hero Award - awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
- The Great Neighbour Award - awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
- The Active Award - awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
- The Animal Award - awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.
- The Green Award - awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.
- The Fundraiser Award - awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
- The Community Group Award - awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.
