How To Nominate A Yorkshire Hero For The 2026 Choice Awards

There’s a buzz across the county, and the clock is officially ticking. People have just one month left to get their nominations in for the 2026 Yorkshire Choice Awards. It’s a brilliant opportunity to shine a light on the amazing folk who make this part of the world so special. These are the awards for the everyday heroes, the local businesses with a heart, and the brilliant charities that work tirelessly. It's a chance to celebrate the extraordinary people living right on the doorstep, the ones who show that even in tricky times, things like courage, kindness, and sheer grit always win the day. Now is the time to think about who deserves a massive pat on the back and put their name forward for one of these prestigious awards.

What are these awards all about anyway?

At their core, the Yorkshire Choice Awards are about celebrating people. Not just any people, but the ones who go above and beyond without expecting a thing in return. It’s about spotting the good stuff happening in every town and village. Think about the person who shows incredible courage every single day, perhaps by overcoming a huge personal hardship to help others. Or the local shop that demonstrates unbelievable kindness and top-tier customer service, making everyone who walks through the door feel like a friend. And what about the person with immense determination, the one who never gives up on a community project, even when things get tough?

These awards are for them. The best part is that they are a ‘people’s choice’ award. This means it isn’t some panel of judges in a quiet room making all the decisions. Instead, the public gets to put names forward through nominations, and then they help decide who wins. It gives everyone in Yorkshire a voice to cheer on their local hero. The search is on for those individuals, businesses, and charities that make the community a better place to live and make everyone feel incredibly proud.

Thinking of a hero? who can be nominated?

The definition of a hero is massive, which is exactly how it should be. A hero could be someone who has literally saved lives, like an off-duty nurse or a quick-thinking neighbour. But it could also be someone whose story has inspired a whole community to change for the better. Maybe it’s a teenager who started a campaign to clean up local parks, or a pensioner who teaches kids how to grow their own vegetables.

The awards have a whole range of categories designed to recognise different kinds of amazing contributions. Here are some of the sorts of people and organisations that could get a nomination:

• The Fundraiser: That person who has raised money tirelessly for a cause they believe in. They’re the ones doing sponsored runs in the rain or organising bake sales that bring the entire street together for a good charity.
• The Community Champion: Someone who has made a lasting difference in their local area. They might have fought for a new library, set up a support group, or simply dedicated their life to a local community centre.
• The Business with Heart: It’s not just about profits. These awards also celebrate businesses that go the extra mile. A business with fantastic customer service that makes people feel valued is a true asset.
• The Inspiring Individual: Someone who has faced immense personal hardship but used their experience to help others. Their resilience and courage can be a massive source of inspiration for everyone around them.

Really, anyone who makes a positive impact in Yorkshire could be a candidate for one of these awards. It’s all about recognising the extraordinary people who often fly under the radar.

The nitty-gritty: making a nomination

Getting a nomination in is pretty straightforward, but there are a few important things to remember to make sure it counts. It would be a shame for a brilliant hero to miss out because of a simple mistake on the form. First things first, anyone looking to nominate someone needs to have a good look through the list of award categories. Picking the right one is vital. A fantastic nomination for a local charity won’t get very far if it’s accidentally submitted in a category for young entrepreneurs.

Once the best category has been chosen, it’s time to fill out the form. The key is to be thorough. The organisers have mentioned that incomplete forms, or nominations put in the wrong category, won’t be eligible for the public vote. After all the nominations are in, they are all checked over by independent adjudicators. These are just people who make sure everything is fair and square before the voting begins. It’s an important step to ensure the Yorkshire Choice Awards are credible and that every valid nomination gets its moment. People should visit the official website to see the full list of categories for the 2026 awards and to submit their choice.

Why a nomination is a brilliant way to say thanks

Putting someone forward for an award is more than just trying to win them a trophy. It’s a powerful way to celebrate them and acknowledge their hard work. So many extraordinary people do amazing things without any expectation of recognition. A nomination is a way for their friends, family, and community to say, "We see what you're doing, and it's brilliant." It’s a chance to highlight the positive stories across Yorkshire.

These awards help to build a sense of community spirit, reminding everyone of the incredible individuals, dedicated businesses, and vital charities that make the county tick. It’s a moment to feel proud of the people who show such kindness and determination. So, if there's someone whose story deserves to be heard, now is the time to nominate them. There is just one month left to make sure that a deserving Yorkshire hero gets the recognition they've earned.