It is nomination time for this year’s Make A Difference Awards, but this time the judges won’t just be honouring human unsung heroes for their incredible acts of kindness. Animals that have had a positive impact in their communities by improving the life of an individual or group of people are now eligible too. The new category is also open to those who work with animals to improve animal welfare.

Chris Burns, Controller Local Audio Commissioning for BBC England, says: “We are a nation of animal lovers and our listeners often contact us with stories of what their pets mean to them and how they are offering supporting them. So we thought what better way to celebrate these achievements than with their own category at our Make A Difference Awards.”

Now it’s up to the local BBC radio listeners across England to help find these remarkable individuals and animals who have done something amazing for their communities over the past year by nominating them for a Make A Difference award.

There are eight award categories and the nominations close on the Sunday 10 March 2024 at 11:00pm. The winners will be announced at our Make a Difference Award ceremonies hosted by local BBC radio stations up and down the country in September.

Make A Difference was first set up at the start of the first pandemic lockdown and is a virtual notice board for those offering help and those needing support. To date over 14 million people have interacted across all 39 local BBC radio stations.

Chris added: “Our local BBC radio stations hear amazing accounts every day from our listeners about the incredible work that goes on in their community. Many have faced tough times recently, so I am delighted that we will be honouring our local unsung heroes once again. It’s those individuals that make where we live so special.”

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.

Nominations are open now and close on the 10 March 2024 at 11:00pm.

Categories 2024

Volunteer – Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

Community – The Morning Live Make a Difference Community Award is awarded to an individual or group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community.

Fundraiser – Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

Carer – Awarded to someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people through their helpfulness, compassion and support.

Great Neighbour – Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.

Bravery – Awarded to an individual or group of people who has shown outstanding courage, defiance and duty in the face of perceived danger, fear or difficulty.

The Green Award – Awarded to an individual or group of people who make where live a better place by caring for the environment and nature.

The Animal Award New for 2024– Awarded to an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people. Or, a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare.