WHO do you think should be crowned Glasgow’s Community Champions for 2023?

Our awards are back, and we want to hear your nominations for the city’s most inspirational individuals and hard-working groups.

The event, supported by Glasgow City Council, Trades House Glasgow, Wheatley Glasgow and Merck, rewards the unsung heroes working hard to make the city a better place to work, live and play.

Once again nine trophies will be up for grabs - Team Award, Individual Award, Public Service Award, Uniformed Services Award, Senior Award, Young Award, Health and Wellbeing Award, Sports Award and School Award. A public vote will decide regional winners in three areas of the city – the North East, the North West and the South.

Closing date for nominations is Thursday, September 14.

READ NEXT: Search is on for Glasgow Community Champion Awards 2023

Last year’s winners included St Albert’s Primary, who won the Lord Provost’s Special Recognition Award for an innovative book project and PC Natalie Pollok, who won a special Editor’s Award for her dogged determination in tracking down thieves in the Gorbals.

The Team Award went to The Courtyard Pantry, a vital community hub in Ruchill which provides discounted food to locals, runs a welcoming cafe and helps local people get jobs and volunteering opportunities.

Bluevale Community Club driving force Kenny Trainer won the Individual category, while the Uniformed Services Award went to paramedics Willie Anderson and Scott Diamond, whose bravery and quick-thinking saved 35 people from a burning building in Glasgow city centre.

The Young Award went to Kodie Stewart, an inspirational 16-year-old from Easterhouse who helps local young people gain skills and confidence through sport, and the Senior Award was presented to the Milton Rattlers, who run everything from bingo nights to coffee mornings in the North of the city.

The Health and Wellbeing Award went to garden project Growing Together, which supports more than 100 adults with learning disabilities in Drumchapel, and the Public Service Award was presented to mental health initiative Men Matter Scotland.

The Sports Award was presented to Castlemilk Community Football, who, when faced with the potential closure of the Barlia pitches, fought to keep them open and have since hosted hundreds of matches, free football camps and community events.

The School Award was presented to Shawlands Primary for its innovative Bike Bus project, a fantastic sustainable transport initiative.

HOW TO NOMINATE

We want to hear about inspirational individuals and great groups in your area - who do you think deserves recognition for fantastic community work?

You can nominate anyone, from a community cop who goes above and beyond the day job to the inspirational teenager making waves at school, from pensioners campaigning for better services to grass-roots sports coaches inspiring young people to get active.

Tell us why they should win and remember to include lots of detail and photographs and video to support your entry.

You can nominate online by clicking here, or email stephen.laughlin@localiq.co.uk.

For more information, call 0141 302 6019.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, September 14.

A shortlist will go to a public online vote to determine the winners in each area – North East, North West and South - who will then progress to the Grand Final at Glasgow City Chambers on December 5.

A judging panel made up of representatives from the award partners will decide the Grand Final winners.