NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR MAYOR OF NEATH PORT TALBOT’S COVID COMMUNITY RESPONSE AWARDS

The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Community Covid Response Awards have been launched to recognise and reward outstanding contributions of individuals, groups and organisations in our community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr John Warman, said: “If you know a person, group, a business or organisation deserving recognition for making a valuable contribution to local people and communities during the Covid pandemic please nominate them for one of these awards.

“Many people have helped with shopping, picked up prescriptions, befriended people in need and completed thousands of other selfless tasks throughout Neath Port Talbot during the pandemic and businesses, organisations and schools have had to adapt and be innovative to ensure services continued to e provided.

“These awards are about recognising and remembering their sterling efforts during the pandemic which were done simply from a strong sense of community spirit – something that is particularly strong in Neath Port Talbot.”

The awards are kindly supported by John Pye Auctions, Kenfig Industrial Estate, Margam – Europe’s largest indoor general auction facility.

Jonathan Beasley, South Wales Site Manager at John Pye Auctions, said: “Since opening our South Wales Auction Hub in Margam six years ago, we’ve really become part of the local community and are delighted to support these very worthwhile awards. We are honoured to play our part in recognising and rewarding inspirational local people whose selfless efforts helped so many throughout the pandemic.”

The awards ceremony will be held on the afternoon of Thursday March 24^th at The Orangery, Margam Country Park.

Nominations can be made here www.nptawards.wales

Category Descriptions:

Good Neighbour Award
Do you know someone who went above and beyond to help those living around them during the pandemic? They might have looked after someone in their street who lives on their own or they might have supported a number of people in their neighbourhood. Explain how and who they helped and tell us why they deserve an award.

Young Volunteer
This award will recognise and reward a young* volunteer during the pandemic for their outstanding contribution to the community. Tell us about them, the difference they made and why you think they should be singled out for this award.
*21 years of age or under

Education Support Award
The education of our children and young people faced unique challenges during the pandemic. Innovative solutions had to be found to keep them safe and offer continuous support when schools and colleges were closed. This award recognises a group or individual whose commitment and dedication made a real difference during difficult times.

Business in the Community Award
This award category seeks to identify and reward a local business that stepped up to help the community in whichever way they could during the pandemic. They may have changed their way of working or even donated goods or services to assist the community at this time of need.  

Community Champion – Individual Award
This award will recognise a special individual whose hard work, commitment and dedication made an extraordinary impact during the pandemic. They may have collaborated and co-ordinated with other agencies to activate support or they may also have rolled up their sleeves and got on with it themselves! If you know someone who fits this description, nominate them and let’s give them the recognition they deserve. 

Community Champion – Group Award
So many groups and organisations came forward during the pandemic to recognise where help was needed and provide targeted support to vulnerable people in particular. Collaborations were formed, clear goals and objectives were set and achieved. This is your chance to nominate a group or organisation that deserves to be recognised. Someone you know may have received their help OR you may be proud to be part of such a group yourself!

Health & Wellbeing Award
Open to local groups, organisations or individuals whose work, actions or engagement helped promote health and wellbeing during the pandemic. From online fitness classes to initiatives focussed on mental health, let us recognise their efforts and thank them with this award.