THE hunt for the heroes who make a difference for so many people in our community is on once again.

The Stourbridge News and the Halesowen & Dudley News is delighted to launch the Dudley Borough Community Awards 2024.

These awards will celebrate the wonderful work that happens across the Dudley Borough within the business, charity, educational, health and community spheres. 

We want to celebrate the people and organisations that make this region - and the chance to live and work in it - so special. 

Nominations for a series of categories - including business of the year, best volunteer of the year and teacher of the year - are now open. 

You have until September 15 to nominate those people you want to see rewarded for their hard work and diligence. 

Anyone can nominate - from the general public to businesses and other community and charity organisations.

Finalists will be invited to a glittering evening awards event due to be held at 7pm on Thursday, November 21 at the Copthorne Hotel, Dudley.

The awards will seek to celebrate all the wonderful things that are happening across the Dudley Borough and to shine a light on our region and its many success stories.

This year's headline sponsors are Halesowen College and Birmingham Newman University.

Hayley Edwards, head of marketing at Halesowen College, said: "Halesowen College is proud to be at the cornerstone of our community.

"We are sponsoring this year’s Dudley Community Awards to celebrate and recognise the dedicated individuals and community businesses and projects across the Dudley Borough as well as showcasing them to the wider region.

"It's wonderful to see so many local people and groups being acknowledged and awarded for their efforts in making a positive difference within our communities."

Helen Burgoyne, student recruitment and marketing manager at Birmingham Newman University, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Dudley Borough Community Awards and recognising the people that do fantastic things every day in our community.”

Alicia Kelly, editor of the Stourbridge News and the Halesowen and Dudley News, said: "Thanks to the stories we publish online every day and each week in our newspapers, we know many fantastic people are striving to make a real difference across the Dudley Borough.

"It is a privilege to share their successes with a wider audience and these awards will be another way for us to shine the spotlight on those who deserve our praise and thanks. 

"Often they are people working hard to make a positive contribution in their own community - without asking for any acknowledgement. We think it's time that everyone knew exactly how they contribute to making this region a wonderful and unique place.

"I can't wait to read all the nominations - please take a few minutes to put forward the people and organisations you think deserve our thanks."

This year the awards are made up of 13 categories

  • Business of the Year
  • New Business of the Year
  • Independent Business of the Year
  • Best Customer Service
  • Best Community Project or Group
  • Volunteer or Fundraiser of the Year
  • Sports Team, Club or Personality of the Year
  • Teacher of the Year
  • Environmental Project of the Year
  • Young Person of the Year
  • Diversity in the Community Award
  • Care Hero of the Year
  • Healthcare Professional of the Year

To nominate visit  https://www.dudleynews.co.uk/dudleycommunityawards2024/

Businesses who may be interested in sponsoring the awards should email debra.orr@localiq.co.uk