Across Torbay, countless unsung heroes quietly go about their work, making our Bay a brighter and more inspiring place to live. These individuals, who often go unnoticed, play a vital role in weaving the fabric of our community with their dedication and passion.
Torbay Communities, in partnership with the Torbay Weekly, is on a mission to shine a spotlight on these remarkable individuals through the Torbay Community Champion Awards. This event aims to celebrate and honour those who contribute so much to our community, particularly within the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector.
Whether it’s a neighbour who goes above and beyond, a volunteer who tirelessly dedicates their time, or a professional making a significant impact, now is the time to recognise their efforts. Nominations are open to anyone in the community who fits these criteria, and we encourage you to put forward those deserving of recognition.
You can nominate anyone from the community for one or more of the award categories, even if they have been nominated, a finalist or even won before. The awards are not just open to volunteers, but to anyone working in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector.
The deadline is midnight on Sunday, 6th September 2026.
The Awards will be presented at the Torbay Communities AGM at Bay Church, Paignton, on Friday, 2nd October 2026, starting at 3pm.
Award categories:
Health and Wellbeing Champion
Health and Wellbeing Champion (Sponsored by Torbay Council)
A worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector committed to improving the health and well-being of people in Torbay, including those who provide support for people with additional needs or disabilities, support an organisation that advocates for those with certain illnesses or conditions, provide activities for people with disabilities or long-term illnesses, or accompany patients to the hospital.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Volunteer of the Year Award (Sponsored by the Greendale Group)
A volunteer who has shown commitment, passion and care for their volunteering and made a significant difference to their volunteer cause and the community at large.
Young Volunteer of the Year Award
Young Volunteer of the Year Award (Sponsored by South Devon College)
A young person under the age of 25, who has shown a real commitment to volunteering and/or overcoming serious problems and made a positive difference in their own life or other people’s. It will celebrate the work carried out by young people who give up their time to help their community; in school, at youth clubs or a voluntary organisation.
Climate and Environment Champion
Climate and Environment Champion (Sponsored by Cantina Kitchen & Bar)
A worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector who dedicates their time to caring for their local environment, takes part in environmental protection projects, champions a sustainability programme, or takes part in any other volunteer activity that supports the environment
Volunteering Team of the Year Award
Volunteering Team of the Year Award (Sponsored by Wollens: Full Spectrum Law)
This award is given to a group of three or more volunteers who have made a real difference to their community or an organisation.
Lifetime Award
Lifetime Award (Sponsored by Wain Homes)
This award is for someone who has worked within their community for many years and recognises their long-standing dedication to improving the quality of life in Torbay.
Good Neighbour Award
Good Neighbour Award (Sponsored by Cavanna Homes)
A resident who strives to make sure there is a place for everyone in their local community and is devoted to helping those who live around them.
Carer of the Year Award
Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Steve Darling, MP)
Awarded to someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people through their helpfulness, compassion and support. For the 2025 awards, this was dedicated posthumously to the late Kevin Helmore, winner of the 2024 Carer of the Year Award.
Emergency Worker of the Year Award
Emergency Worker of the Year Award (Sponsored by Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon,. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly)
A worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector who strives to keep their communities safe by providing emergency services, safety awareness and training or is involved in an activity that enhances safety or protects their communities in emergencies.
Community Champion for 2026
Community Champion for 2026 (Sponsored by Torbay Business Forum)
A worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector who has shown commitment, passion and care for their volunteering or work and made a significant difference to their cause and the community at large. PLEASE NOTE – You cannot submit nominations for the Community Champion for 2026 Award. The winner for this award will be voted for by our audience during the awards ceremony on 2nd Oct, choosing one of the winners of the other categories listed above.
Submit your nomination:
If you cannot see/access the form embedded below, email [email protected] or try this button instead:
Our previous awards
Hundreds joined us for our previous awards ceremonies, held at Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton on Thursday, 24th October 2024, and Paignton’s Bay Church on Friday, 23rd January 2026. Whether they carried off the coveted trophy in their category or not, they were all winners.
The standard was incredibly high, and the judges spent hours reading through the nominations, before whittling them down to a maximum of four finalists in each of the nine categories.
Altogether, we had 300 submissions for the first & second awards ceremonies in 2024 and early 2026.
You can find the previous winners listed on our Community Champion Hall of Fame, which will continue to be updated with more winners.
