BBC Radio Merseyside is inviting people across Merseyside to shine a light on the unsung heroes in their community for the 2026 Make a Difference Awards.
The awards bring together BBC Radio Merseyside along with BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and 38 local BBC radio stations in England, in a united effort to recognise acts of kindness and extraordinary contribution across the UK.
Nominations are open now and will close at 5pm on Tuesday, 31 March.
BBC One’s Morning Live will once again champion the Community Group award, which demonstrate of how collective efforts can make a real difference.
Listeners can nominate their local heroes in eight different categories (see below). Since the awards began in 2022, thousands of people have been recognised for going the extra mile to support others. Last year, over 12,500 people were nominated for an award. The aim remains simple, to celebrate everyday heroes who make life better for those around them in their local communities.
Ben Anderson, Editor at BBC Radio Merseyside said:
“The Make a Difference Awards are very special because they help us to tell the stories of incredible people not just to our region, but potentially to the whole nation. Take Team Oasis from the Dingle – they were nominated for a Radio Merseyside Make a Difference Award last year and ended up telling their story to millions of people across the country, live on The One Show. That’s what makes Make a Difference so brilliant – you never know where a nomination could lead. So, if you know someone who deserves special recognition, make sure you nominate them now!”
Winners will be announced in September at Make a Difference Awards events hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside in September.
For a full list of categories, see below – 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 at 5pm on Tuesday 31st March.
This year’s award categories are:
• The Volunteer Award: Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to the community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
• The Community Group Award (supported by Morning Live): Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.
• 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 Young Hero Award: awarded to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have 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, 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 Environmental Award: Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.
• 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.
Categories: 2026 | Community & Participation
