Hounslow Council Launches Community Heroes Awards


A chance to vote for individuals and organisations going above and beyond


Awards ceremony to be held in Hounslow House

A new civic awards programme has been launched by Hounslow Council to recognise and celebrate the efforts of residents, community groups and businesses across the borough.

The One Hounslow’ Community Awards will be held at Hounslow House in October and nominations are sought from all parts of the borough for people or organisations who have gone above and beyond for their communities over recent months.

There are ten categories and nominations are now open and will close on 10 September after which a short list will be published for each category. Nominations can be made by clicking here and paper nomination forms will be made available at Hounslow House and public libraries. People will also be able to submit applications online via video.

Decision on the winners will be made by judging panels comprising a mix of representatives from the Council, public sector organisations, community representatives, businesses and subject experts, depending on the category.

Ten awards will be up for grabs on the night, with one, the ‘One Hounslow Spirit’ award, chosen from the other nine winners and voted for on the night. Winners will receive a certificate and a trophy.

The awards for which either individuals or organisations can be nominated (unless stated otherwise) are:

Making Hounslow Fairer
• The ‘Reaching Potential’ Award - for outstanding contribution to supporting residents reach their potential whatever their backgrounds or barriers.
• The ‘Building Trust’ Award - for outstanding contribution to building trust between people - increasing inclusion, reducing inequality and giving the ‘less heard’ a stronger voice.

Making Hounslow Greener
• The ‘Green Innovation’ Award - for the outstanding contribution to addressing environmental challenges through creative new technologies, ideas or approaches.
• The ‘Cleaner, Greener Champion’ Award – for the outstanding contribution to improving local area, galvanising and educating communities to think green and respect their environment.

Making Hounslow Stronger
• The ‘Community Heart’ Award – outstanding contribution to their local community, supporting neighbours, creating community spirit and strength.
• The ‘Community Together’ Award - outstanding contribution to galvanising people and organisations to work in partnership, particularly across diversity of communities (e.g. of ethnicity, age, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender) to overcome a challenge or create something positive for the wider benefit of others.

Social Enterprise
• The Social Enterprise’ Award – for the outstanding contribution by a local business to supporting residents, communities and place beyond its core business.

Covid Hero (individual)
• A one-off award this year, the ‘Covid Hero’ Award will be awarded for the outstanding contribution by an individual to support, protect and inspire communities during the pandemic.

One Hounslow Young Leader (individual)
• The ‘Young Leader’ Award - outstanding contribution by an under 25-year-old to their community or to the borough.

One Hounslow Spirit
• The ‘One Hounslow Spirit’ Award – voted for on the night from the winners of the nine categories above.

Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said, “Hounslow is an outstanding borough, and we are able to claim that because of the magnificent efforts of so many of its residents, businesses and organisations.

“I’ve been so proud and continually humbled by how our borough has risen to the challenge of the Covid pandemic, working together to support each other at every turn. However, the inspiring efforts across our communities goes well beyond Covid.

“We want to recognise and celebrate these often unsung contributions, knowing that as a Council we would achieve a lot less without the community-minded efforts of our residents, businesses and local groups. !

One Hounslow underpins the Council’s Borough Plan for Recovery, published last October, and its new Corporate Plan, published in March, which sets out the plan to try to create a fairer, greener, stronger borough for all.

Councillor Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport and One Hounslow, said, “The ‘One Hounslow’ spirit has been more evident than ever as our communities came together through the pandemic. The Council, our public sector partners, community organisations, faith groups, local businesses and small army of key workers and volunteers worked tirelessly and in new, collaborative ways to protect and support each other.

“As we hope to leave restrictions behind, we have an important moment to bring people together to celebrate the fantastic efforts of so many residents and organisations, both around Covid and in general. Particularly important are those people who have helped to reduce inequalities and connect and empower diverse communities.”

Hounslow Council councillors or officers are excluded from nominating or being nominated. The Council will be holding a separate staff awards to recognise the work of its staff.

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August 20, 2021