Last chance to nominate for the ONE Welwyn Hatfield Community Awards 2026

With the deadline on Friday 19 December, now is your last chance to recognise the people, organisations, and businesses making a real difference in our borough.

Now in their third year, the awards celebrate the incredible achievements of inspirational individuals, sports clubs, community groups, and local businesses who go above and beyond to support and enrich our community. Don’t miss the chance to shine a spotlight on those who deserve it!

Nominating someone is easy! Simply complete the online nomination form at one.welhat.gov.uk/community-awards and provide at least 100 words explaining why your nominee deserves to be celebrated and how they make a difference in our community. You can also review the awards criteria here: welhat.gov.uk/grants-awards/community-awards-criteria.

Remember, nominees are first shortlisted based on the content of a single nomination. Submitting multiple nominations for the same person, business, or organisation won’t improve their chances. Focus on providing a strong, detailed nomination - highlighting achievements, impact, and why they deserve recognition - because this is what the judges will use to decide the shortlist and the eventual winners.

You can nominate in one of the following categories:

• The Mayor’s Civic Award – Recognising someone with long-standing service to their community over many years.

• Welwyn Hatfield for All Award – Recognising outstanding cross-community work by an organisation or group.

• Community Sports Club of the Year – Recognising a Welwyn Hatfield community sports club that brings people together.

• Young Sports Person of the Year – Recognising a young person who has demonstrated excellent sporting skills and ability.

• Health and Wellbeing Champion of the Year – Recognising an individual that has gone above and beyond to improve health and wellbeing of residents.

• Local Business of the Year – Recognising a business which demonstrates the most significant impact made in their market sector and local community.

• Community Culture Award – Celebrating those who have enriched our cultural landscape through arts, music and other cultural activities.

• Public Service Hero – Honouring public service workers who have made a remarkable difference in the lives of residents.

• Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year – Applauding the invaluable contributions of volunteers who selflessly give their time to help others.

• Inspirational Young Person of the Year – Celebrating young individuals who have shown exceptional courage, leadership or community spirit.

• Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation of the Year – Highlighting organisations that have made a significant impact through their work in the community.

• Environment and Climate Champion Award – Recognising those who have made significant efforts to promote sustainability and improve and protect our natural surroundings.

• Positive Change Award – This award recognises an individual that has overcome their own challenges to achieve something personally life changing.

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards evening on Thursday 26 February 2026. The event will start with a sumptuous meal alongside table entertainment, before performances on stage and more exciting surprises to be revealed on the night!

Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member, Leisure and Community, said:

“We have received some great nominations so far, but don’t forget to shine a light on your nominee and include lots of information about them and why you put them forward.  It should be a fantastic evening of celebration, so please do get your submissions in as soon as possible.”