BBC Launches 2026 Make a Difference Awards Nominations
People across the UK are invited to recognise the unsung heroes within their communities as the BBC opens nominations for the 2026 Make a Difference Awards.
Broadcaster Gaby Roslin officially launched the nominations on BBC One's The One Show, joined by BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster and singer Michelle McManus, along with several winners from the previous year.
Rhuanedd Richards, BBC director of nations, said: "The Make a Difference Awards are a powerful reminder of the kindness, generosity and community spirit that exists in every community across the UK."
Nominations will close at 17:00 GMT on 31 March. Winners will be announced in September during Make a Difference Awards events hosted by the BBC's local and nations radio stations.
Since the awards' inception in 2022, thousands of individuals have been recognised for their exceptional efforts supporting others.
In the previous year, over 12,500 people were nominated by individuals wishing to acknowledge their contributions to improving the lives of others.
Notable Winners from 2025
Among last year's recipients was 11-year-old football pundit Frazer Tibbitts, who is registered blind. He won BBC Radio WM's The Young Hero Award for creating engaging audio match reactions for his favourite team, Wolverhampton Wanderers, as part of Beacon's Talking Newspaper Fanzone. His commentaries help reduce social isolation for blind and visually impaired listeners.
BBC Radio Berkshire's awards recognised Berkshire Birds of Prey with The Animal Award for their work providing owls and other birds as calming, therapeutic support in care homes and similar settings.
Community environmental advocate Janet Willonfer received The Green Award at BBC Radio York's ceremony for her exceptional efforts in local sustainability. She has grown and donated over 4,000 trees from her own garden to support environmental causes.
Following her nomination, Janet appeared on Radio 4's Woman's Hour, where she stated:
"What I can do is just a drop in the ocean, but an ocean is made up of lots of drops."
At BBC Radio Leicester's event, Emiola Lanlehin was honoured with The Volunteer Award for her volunteer work as a cultural care specialist and founder of the Crowned With Care project. Her initiative ensures black and mixed-heritage children and their foster carers have access to knowledge and products needed to care for Afro and textured hair.
In London, the Dads and Male Carers Club at Jessop Primary School won The Community Group Award for encouraging fathers to spend time in primary schools as positive role models. Founder Scott Leonard remarked at the BBC Radio London awards:
"The more we do this, the more our kids feel connected - and the more we're connected, the less bad things happen and the better the world is."
Support and Coverage
The awards receive support from BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle, and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal, along with 39 local BBC radio stations across England.
BBC One's Morning Live will again highlight The Community Group Award, showcasing how collective efforts can effect meaningful change.
Richards added: "Our local and national radio stations and online teams are uniquely placed to tell these stories, and we're proud to come together to celebrate those who are making a real difference to the lives of others."
How to Nominate
This year's award categories are available for nomination at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where full Terms and the Privacy Notice can also be reviewed.
