Nominations still open for Luton’s ‘unsung heroes’ awards

With the pandemic forcing Luton’s Best Awards to be postponed until 2021, the University of Bedfordshire hopes to encourage residents, staff and students to carry on nominating their community stars.

Hosted annually by the Love Luton partnership, the Luton’s Best Awards aim to shine a light on unsung local heroes.

The Covid19 pandemic has seen the community pull together and, as such, organisers decided it was more important than ever to host these awards and celebrate the town’s people.

Linsey Frostick, chairperson of Love Luton, said: “This year is like no other seen before. Covid19 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 so Love Luton believe these should be celebrated.”

With the 11th annual ceremony now scheduled for March 26, 2021, Love Luton has extended the award nominations to Friday, December 18.

With the awards fully funded by private sponsorship, the University of Bedfordshire is the proud sponsor of the ‘Adult Achiever’ category.

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.

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “Supporting community initiatives such as this is an important part of our University’s ethos.

"The Adult Achiever category is a brilliant way local people can celebrate those who have truly made a difference during these unprecedented times.

"We implore everyone to put someone deserving of this award forward for a nomination today – your vote could help shine a light on the achievements of a good samaritan who may not realise the positive impact their selfless acts and good deeds have had on others.”

Individuals can make multiple nominations for the Luton’s Best Awards easily and quickly via the Love Luton website.

Here is a full list of the Luton’s Best Awards 2020 categories and sponsors:

- Key worker of the year (Sponsored by HBD)

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. The aim 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 the 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 London Luton Airport)

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 and Luton Fire and 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 wellbeing 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 Ryebridge)

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 Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa)

This award will recognise a tireless charity fundraiser (or fundraisers) 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 Active Luton)

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.

- 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. In February, the newspaper will announce the shortlisted candidates. You will have until Thursday 25th March to pick your worthy winner. You can do this by visiting: www.lutontoday.co.uk.