The Northern Echo has teamed up with Durham County Council again to shine a richly-deserved spotlight on our unsung heroes.

The awards, at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham on Thursday 8th December 2022, will celebrate those individuals who during the most challenging circumstances, have supported others, fostering a mentality of ‘bounce – back’ and normality following periods of isolation and separation.

They have been key in getting the county back to its best and we celebrate their contribution.

It’s your chance to nominate those who have gone that extra mile to make things better for others in the community.

You can nominate in as many categories as you wish. The closing date for nominations is Friday 7th October at 12 noon. To nominate someone, click here

Unsung Hero

This award will be presented to someone who, by giving up their free time, has made a significant contribution to other people’s lives or their community.

Key Worker of the Year

This award will be presented to an individual who has played a vital role to public health and safety. It could be a person who went beyond the requirements of their role to provide support to those who needed it the most, under the most challenging circumstances.

Public Service Award

This award recognises a public service team or individual making an outstanding contribution to the community in which they work. We want to hear about people who have gone above and beyond to provide a vital service for people in the area.

Volunteer of the Year

This award will be presented to a volunteer who has played a vital role in helping others. Selflessly using their time and energy to help benefit others.

Carer of the Year

This award recognises someone who have played a vital role in helping others. It could be an individual who has existing or new care responsibilities or someone who is employed as a carer who went above and beyond the requirements of their role to provide support to those who needed it most.

Community/Voluntary Group

This award will recognise community or voluntary groups who have a significantly positive impact on individuals or groups of individuals. We are looking for evidence of how this work has made the community a better or safer place to live. The category is open to all charities or voluntary organisations and community groups.

Health and Wellbeing Award

This award will recognise groups or projects which promote the improvement of health and wellbeing within their communities. It may be a project which offers advice, counselling and support for those with health issues. The category is open to all charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and individuals.

Environment Award

This award will go to an individual or organisation which has made a positive contribution to the environment. This could include the physical environment as well as helping to protect our climate.

Visitor Economy Award

Recognising an individual, organisation or business who has played a vital role in promoting the county as a safe and great place to visit for staycationeers, supporting the hospitality and tourism sector, to help visitor economy. It could include an advocate for the county, innovation in the visitor offer or recognise entrepreneurial skills.

Small/Medium Sized Company of the Year

This award will go to a small or medium sized company (<250 employees) which has support individuals, communities or the volunteer sector.

Large Company of the Year

Awarded to a County Durham company (>250 employees) that has helped support the greater good or the region. This could be through key initiatives, donations to local causes, or releasing staff to undertake voluntary work.

The Northern Echo:

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “We know that our communities are full of people who go above and beyond to make a positive difference to their areas.

“That is why we are delighted to be able to recognise their huge contributions as part of this year’s County Durham Together Awards.

“The awards provide the ideal opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those across the county who provide support and help to others so selflessly.

“If you know of someone who you think is deserving of one of these awards, please take the time to nominate them.”

Gavin Foster, editor of The Northern Echo, said: “The Northern Echo is thrilled and excited to be backing the awards once again.  

“County Durham is such a fantastic place to live and work – with so much to offer. But it is the people who make it so special. 

"We are continuously astounded by the incredible things people do to help their community and the extraordinary efforts individuals and organisations make to improve the lives of those around them.  

“We sometimes get the chance to feature these unsung heroes on our website and new pages – but it’s brilliant to be able to say a proper thank you. We look forward to hearing and featuring more amazing stories this year.” 

To fill in your nominations, click here