Council launches new Community Recognition Award

Date issued: 28 July 2020

The work of community champions across the borough is to be recognised with a new community recognition award launched by Colchester Borough Council today.

The community recognition award, ‘Together We Can’, will recognise and celebrate community pride in neighbourhoods across the borough and offer thanks to individuals and community groups who have given their time and efforts to create a lasting impact within their communities.

The awards, which are open to everyone, will recognise great ideas and initiatives in the community – from whole street scenes being maintained by residents, to community groups supporting residents by running essential errands. The list of projects and achievements are endless!

Nominations can be made by neighbours, community groups, councillors, community wardens – anyone in fact – and should be submitted to the council’s Communities team at www.colchester.gov.uk/togetherwecan where there will be an online nomination form to complete. The Communities team will arrange a signed certificate by the Mayor of Colchester for residents or a plaque for community groups, in recognition of their efforts. Recipients will be encouraged to display these in their local area, to help boost community pride.

Councillor Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “Together We Can is a celebration of the wonderful initiatives and inspirational people going the extra mile in their neighbourhoods for the benefit of everyone.

“With so much excellent work being carried out by exceptional individuals and groups in communities across the borough – even before the coronavirus crisis – it’s time to highlight and foster these community-spirited ideas more, with a recognition scheme that simply says ‘Thank you’.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to tell us who you believe is making a difference in your communities and we look forward to hearing all about them.”

As well as celebrating residents’ efforts, time and inspiration within their communities, the awards scheme aims to support local COVID recovery initiatives, improve mental health, physical activity and wellbeing by encouraging more outdoor activities, tackle isolation and loneliness, and help identify residents who may need additional support, for example, with cutting their lawn.