The challenges of COVID-19 won’t prevent us celebrating the best of Luton’s inspiring stories

This year is like no other seen before. COVID-19 has had an impact on everyone in some way, but since the start of the pandemic, the town has seen some of the most incredible acts of kindness and selflessness across Luton, and Love Luton believe these should be celebrated.

The Luton’s Best awards mission has always been to shine a light on the unsung heroes in the community and they don’t intend to let a pandemic prevent that. The health crisis has seen everyone pull together and as such the Love Luton partnership felt it was more important than ever to launch these awards and have them officially open for nominations.

Nominated by the public, previous winners have been from all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the town. Their achievements are awe-inspiring and a lesson to us all. They say they are ordinary people, but quite their acts are truly extraordinary.

Our winners come from hundreds of public nominations and stories of remarkable individuals and organisations.

They are whittled down to a shortlist from which our judging panel, made up of sponsors who all have a stake in the future and success of our town.

Our nominees are honoured at the glittering Luton’s Best Awards ceremony which is normally held at the Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa.

This year’s event is being provisionally booked for Friday, November 27. The health and wellbeing of our team, guests, sponsors, suppliers and inspirational nominees is paramount. We will be monitoring the advice and guidance coming from Government and will make a decision if we can bring people together this year or if we delay the final ceremony and bring the community and partners together, in person, and celebrate our 10th anniversary and host our 11th awards ceremony early next year.

July 25 marked Love Luton’s 10th anniversary. Linsey Frostick, chair of Love Luton, said “This isn’t the 10th anniversary we had planned but we aren’t going to let a global pandemic stop us. We have therefore delayed the start of our anniversary plans which now coincide with the actual anniversary date itself and will run until July 2021.

“This year, in the face of a pandemic, we have seen this same selfless approach by so many including our key workers, neighbours, community organisations and many others. They have sacrificed and endured so much to care for us, keep our shop shelves stocked, keep us connected, keep us healthy and teach our children.

“They are more than deserving of our recognition and thanks and we therefore felt the Luton’s Best Awards were needed more than ever before.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible and truly celebrate the heroes of our town. We hope to be able to host our awards evening in late November and we will monitoring advice and guidance. The safety of our guests and staff will be paramount in making any decision”.

The event is fully funded by private sponsorship. You can nominate online by visiting the website: www.loveluton.org.uk/lutonsbestawards.

The Luton’s Best Awards 2020 categories are as follows:

> Key worker of the year. Sponsored by Henryboot Developments:

This award is open to key workers living or working in Luton, from bus drivers and supermarket workers, to delivery drivers and teachers. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen some of the most incredible acts of kindness and selflessness across our town and we believe that these should be celebrated. Our mission is to shine a light on the unsung heroes in our community. We want to hear from you on the difference this individual has made during the health crisis.

> Child of Courage Award. Sponsored by FCC Environment

Judges will seek to recognise any young person up to the age of 18 who has put themselves in danger to help or save the life of another or has battled against the odds and has overcome adversity in their personal life or made a stand to improve the lot of themselves or others.

> Young Achiever Award. Sponsored by Barnfield College

This award will seek to recognise an outstanding effort and levels of achievement by a young person aged 20 or under, either in their school lives, work lives, in a sporting context or within the wider community.

> Adult Achiever Award. Sponsored by University of Bedfordshire

This award will seek to recognise an individual over the age of 21 who continues to achieve great things at work, in their profession, through arts and culture, in the field of education, sport, or a hobby or pastime.

> Community Company of the Year. Sponsored by The Mall

This award is looking for an individual or team employed either in the public, private or voluntary sector that goes above and beyond. Their effort and enthusiasm should have a positive effect on the community. We are really keen to hear from organisations who have gone that extra mile to support the town during the pandemic.

> Lifetime Achievement Award. Sponsored by Arriva

To recognise an individual whose achievements have been far-reaching in the community. Examples can include a volunteer who has given up their time for many years, a local carer or a business person who has given many years to improving the lives of people in Luton.

> Care in the Community Award. Sponsored by Volker Highways and Volker Fitzpatrick

This award is for an individual or group from either a professional or voluntary capacity. Those eligible include relatives (including children), friends, doctors, nurses or care workers who care for someone or a group of people. We are looking for an individual or group who have really gone that extra mile to care for our most vulnerable often showing incredible patience and understanding. Judges are looking for those who have cared for others sometimes over many years without giving thought to themselves.

> Keeping Luton Safe Award. Sponsored by Bedfordshire & Luton Fire & Rescue Service

The judges will be looking for individual members of the public or groups who have put themselves at risk and acted with bravery and courage to help save the life or protect the well being of another. This could include tackling crime, disorder or anti social behaviour. Another example could include individuals or groups which have made a positive community contribution in terms of improving the environment they live or work which improves the safety of others.

> Environmental Achievement Award. Sponsored by London Luton Airport Limited

An award to an individual or organisation demonstrating a commitment to enhancing and protecting our environment or a heritage site, introducing environmentally sustainable products or services and, in doing so, make a contribution to Luton’s environment or conservation areas. Examples could include an environmental community project; a school initiative involving children and parents or improving a conservation area to kick-start regeneration.

> Best Volunteer Award. Sponsored by Signature Flight Support

This award will recognise a volunteer(s) of any age who has made an outstanding contribution through giving up their own time to volunteer to help others, charities or initiatives across the town. We ask that entries are for individuals still active in their role but you can list all activities they have taken part in prior to 2019/20.

> Community Business Person. Sponsored by Engie

An individual of any age working for an organisation or studying in the town who has shown a commitment and involvement with the local community and can demonstrate excellence in business which in turn enhances the image of the business community and Luton, locally or on a wider scale or someone who has provided superior service to the community. We are keen to hear from individuals who have supported the town during the pandemic.

> Best Fundraiser Award. Sponsored by Basepoint

This award will recognise a tireless charity fund raiser/s of any age who has made an outstanding contribution either through their fundraising initiatives, voluntary work or other support. We ask that entries are for individuals still active in their role but you can list all activities they have taken part in prior to 2019/2020.

> Luton in Harmony Award. Sponsored by Ryebridge

An individual or organisation who has proactively promoted community cohesion and celebrated diversity in the town through their initiatives which have helped to improve the public image of Luton.

> Sporting Inspiration Award. Sponsored by Luton Town Football Club

We are looking for an individual over the age of 18 who is a true sporting inspiration who has either excelled at their sport and/or helped others and is a positive role model. The entry should include:

• A sports man or woman who has excelled in their chosen sport. Rankings and achievements made during the eligibility period must be given.

• Have demonstrated considerable commitment.

• Are an inspiration and positive role model to others.

• Have used their achievements and experiences to make a positive impact on their community and/or club.

• Special qualities that set them apart from others.

> Luton’s most outstanding citizen 2020. Sponsored by Lu2on

This award seeks to recognise an outstanding citizen of any age group or walk of life who has excelled or gone above and beyond in 2020. For example this person could be a member of the business or community sector and anyone who has benefited the people of Luton. This could be in a professional capacity, volunteering or local charity work. It could be a neighbour a relative or anyone who, in your view, typifies the very best of Luton and in particular during the pandemic. This will be a highly contested award that seeks to recognise Luton’s Most Outstanding Citizen in 2020.

> The People’s Choice Award. Sponsored by The Luton News

The readers of the Luton News and Herald & Post will have the opportunity to pick the winner they feel is most deserving. On the week of 19th October the newspaper will announce the shortlisted candidates. You will have until Thursday 19th November to pick your worthy winner. You can do this by visiting: http://www.lutontoday.co.uk.