NEWS: Community recognition scheme returns to celebrate local heroes

A community recognition scheme will be returning to help celebrate residents who go above and beyond within the local community.   

The scheme, created by Malvern Hills District Council, will be returning for its second year following the success of its launch in March 2025. 

Its aim is to shine a light on individuals, teams or businesses in the district that make a difference to their community and the lives of those around them.  

The council is asking residents to come forward and nominate their local heroes to help celebrate them and all that they do.   

Those nominated will receive a letter of thanks and a special pin badge from Cllr Daniel Walton, Chairman of Malvern Hills District Council.   

Nominees can also be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of tickets to a special community celebration event, taking place in June 2026.   

Recognition categories include:  

• Individual – any individual who has given their time or volunteered somewhere in the district and made a difference.   

• Young Person (25 years or under) – a young person providing support to one person or many, has volunteered through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme or similar or perhaps has a more permanent or informal volunteering role.  

• Lifetime Achievement – highlighting those who have given their time to support the community, for many years. They may have taken on various volunteering roles, organising events, providing opportunities to bring the neighbourhood together.   

• Team / Group - a team or group that come together for the better of their community. Perhaps they have created a community garden space, regularly litter pick, or provide a range of support to their local community.  

• Community Business – a company or sole-trader whose dedication to supporting community groups or local communities has a positive impact on others.   

Cllr Daniel Walton, Chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are so pleased to see the return of this popular scheme, and we encourage people to nominate individuals, teams or businesses to help celebrate and recognise all they do”. 

Cllr Jennie Watkins, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Housing said: “There are so many people who contribute to the local community, and they deserve to be recognised and celebrated for all their hard work and efforts”. 

Nominations are now open. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday, 6 March 2026. 

Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/connected-communities-celebration for more information, criteria, and to nominate.  

  Published: 6 Jan 2026.