Pride of Somerset Youth Awards

17/02/2025

Local Heroes Wanted! 🌟

The Community Hero Award, sponsored by Bridgwater & Taunton College, celebrates young people who are making their corner of Somerset a better place.

Whether it's through environmental initiatives, organising events, or simply acts of kindness, these young individuals are true community champions.

👉 Know someone who fits the bill? Nominate them here: https://buff.ly/4hwhUpe

A huge thank you to Bridgwater & Taunton College for their ongoing support and for helping us shine a light on these inspiring young people.

📸 In 2024, Josh Harvey wowed us with his long list of community focussed roles and initiatives. Josh is a volunteer coach to young footballers in Burnham-on-Sea, is the Vice Chairman of the Burnham Town Board (Better BOS), an active member of the BTC Student Union, an East Huntspill Parish Councillor, a member of the Burnham Bus-Users Group AND completes charity runs and fundraising activities... what a repertoire!

13/02/2025

Celebrating Selfless Service! 🌈💕

The Charity/Volunteer Hero Award, sponsored by Young Somerset, is all about recognising young people who go above and beyond to help others.

👉 From fundraising to community projects, these young volunteers are making a tangible difference in Somerset. Know a young person making a positive impact? Nominate them today: https://buff.ly/4hwhUpe

We're so thankful for Young Somerset's dedication to empowering young people and their sponsorship of this vital award.

📸 Last year, Archie and Jack Boobyer were recognised for their work supporting Josephine's Star, a local charity that supports bereaved children and families. They raised over £7000 for the charity, taking part in a '3 peaks challenge' alongside some friends of their dad, who sadly passed away in 2022.

13/02/2025

Somerset Day isn't too far away! ✨

So many incredible events showcasing what a fantastic county Somerset is.

💖Click below to start making plans!

💛❤️ We’re kickstarting our Somerset Day preparations! 🍎🍏

Today marks three months until the 11th May so now is the time to start making plans 📅

Whether you’re a business, community group, or charity, there are so many ways to be a part of the action:

🏪 Businesses: Use Somerset Day as a chance to raise your business profile.

🏡 Communities: Host a Big Somerset Picnic, organise a May Fayre, or simply string up the Somerset flag bunting.

💙 Charities: Use Somerset Day as a fundraising opportunity!

✨ Somerset Day is for everyone. What’s on this year? ✨
Our headline events for 2025 include:

🎤 Barrel & Bloom Festival: Save the Date: A brand-new day of music, entertainment and family fun hosted at Rich's Cider Farm.

🍽️ The Big Somerset Picnic: Get together and raise funds for a local cause.

🥖 eat:Taunton: The best of local food & drink all in one place organised by eat Festivals.

New events are being added from now until the weekend of Somerset Day.

Now’s the time to plan your event, spread the word, and make this the biggest Somerset Day yet!

🔗 Find out how you can take part and register your event for free promotion here: www.somersetday.com

12/02/2025

Mind Matters! 🧠💖

The Championing Positive Mental Health Award, proudly sponsored by Bounce Forward, recognises young people in Somerset who are making a real difference in promoting mental wellbeing.

👉 These champions are breaking down stigma, offering support, and inspiring others to prioritise their mental health. Know a young person who's a mental health advocate? Nominate them today: https://buff.ly/4hwhUpe

A massive thank you to Bounce Forward for their partnership! Their commitment to young people's mental health makes this award possible.

📸 In 2024, we were inspired by Freya Gudge, who - alongside her brother - ran 30 half marathons in 30 days in honour of their Dad, and to raise money for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

11/02/2025

🔆 Spotlight on Compassion! 💡

The Care Award shines a light on the unsung heroes of our community: young caregivers.

Sponsored by the County Gazette, this award honours those who dedicate their time and hearts to caring for others, showing incredible empathy and selflessness.

👉 Do you know a young person who provides exceptional care to a family member, friend, or neighbour? Nominate them today and let their kindness be celebrated: https://buff.ly/4hwhUpe

We're deeply grateful to the County Gazette for their support. They help us recognise these incredible young people, whose compassion makes a world of difference.

📸 Last year, we celebrated Leah Spanwick, who at 14-years-old at the time of her award win, has been caring for her wheelchair bound mum for 8 years whilst making a real difference as a cadet for St. Johns Ambulance. What an inspiration! ✨

04/02/2025

🎨 We're proud to present the Art & Culture Award, sponsored by University Centre Somerset!

This award celebrates young individuals who have shown exceptional creativity, skills, and dedication in the Arts.

Whether they excel in painting, music, theatre, dance, or any other art form, we want to recognise their talent and contribution to Somerset's vibrant culture scene.

👉 Nominate today: https://buff.ly/4hwhUpe

A heartfelt thank you to University Centre Somerset, a champion of arts and education, for sponsoring this award. Your support allows us to celebrate the incredible artistic talents or young people in our communities, and inspires the next generation of artists ✨

⏰ In 2024, Ernie Shorten took home the Art & Culture Award for his incredible contributions to , a nationally renowned arts organisation based in Porlock. He was also the first dancer from Somerset in 10 years to secure a place in the NYDC!

Pictures show Ernie and co. at our 2024 Awards Ceremony at The McMillan Theatre.

31/01/2025

Nominate Your Local Hero! ✨ The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are Back!

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards 2025 are here, and we're on the hunt for inspiring young people (under 21) who are making a difference in our communities!

Know an amazing young person in Somerset who deserves to be celebrated? Maybe they've:

🤗 Shown incredible courage or kindness?
📈 Achieved something fantastic in sports, arts, or at school?
💕 Made a positive impact on their community or the environment?
🗣️ Simply made you incredibly proud?

Now's your chance to give them the recognition they deserve! Nominate them for a Pride of Somerset Youth Award: https://buff.ly/4hwhUpe

It's easy to nominate, and it could make a huge difference to a deserving young person's life.

Let's celebrate Somerset's brightest young stars!

With thanks to our sponsors:
Bridgwater & Taunton College Somerset Day Bounce Forward Somerset Larder County Gazette Young Somerset Avon and Somerset Police Yeo Valley PROMISEworks

29/01/2025

⭐ Shine a Light on Somerset's Amazing Young People! ⭐

Remember: nominations are now OPEN for The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards 2025! It's time to celebrate the incredible achievements of young people in our community.

Do you know a young star under 21 who lives, learns, or works in Somerset? Someone who has:

🏅 Achieved something amazing in arts, sports, or academics?
💕 Shown incredible kindness, courage, or generosity?
😊 Made their family, friends, or community proud?
💚 Helped to support the environment?

We want to hear about them! The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards recognises young people who have gone above and beyond, inspiring us all with their talent, dedication, and heart.

👉 Nominate your young hero today! It's quick and easy: https://buff.ly/4hwhUpe

Let's celebrate the incredible young people who make Somerset shine!

A big thank you to our amazing sponsors:
Bridgwater & Taunton College Somerset Day Bounce Forward Somerset Larder County Gazette University Centre Somerset Young Somerset Avon and Somerset Police Yeo Valley PROMISEworks Taunton Rotary UK

21/01/2025

🎉 NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN! 🎉

It's time to celebrate the extraordinary young stars among us! The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards 2025 is now accepting nominations, and we're looking for those remarkable young individuals who have shone brightly over the past year.

🏆 About the Awards:
The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards is a prestigious event that honours the incredible achievements of young people across Somerset. From artistic and athletic accomplishments to academic excellence and acts of compassion towards others and the environment, these awards recognise a broad spectrum of talents and virtues.

Whether it's overcoming personal hurdles, contributing significantly to community welfare, or demonstrating exceptional generosity and courage, we want to spotlight these inspiring stories. Our young awardees represent the very best of Somerset's youth, showcasing talent, dedication, and a heart for all.

📢 Who Can Be Nominated:
Do you know a young person who deserves recognition? Someone who has made their family, friends, or community especially proud? This is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve.
All nominees must be under the age of 21 and live and learn/work in Somerset.

🔗 Nominate Now:
Visit our nomination page and share their story with us: https://mailchi.mp/btc/posya25

Nominate today and help us celebrate the incredible achievements of our young community members!

Huge thanks to all our sponsors:
Bridgwater & Taunton College Somerset Day Bounce Forward Somerset Larder Somerset County Gazette Taunton Rotary UK Young Somerset Avon and Somerset Police Yeo Valley PROMISEworks

13/01/2025

🎉 Exciting news! 🎉

Nominations for the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards 2025 will be opening soon! 🤩

We're looking for young people under 21 years of age who have made an outstanding contribution to their community, overcome adversity, or achieved excellence in their field 🏆

To nominate a deserving young person, keep an eye on our page for the official opening date 👀

In the meantime, be sure to like and follow our page (which has now changed from Pride of Somerset Youth Awards 2024 to Pride of Somerset Youth Awards) to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and announcements 👍

Photo below is of the incredible winners at last years' ceremony in The McMillan Theatre ✨

20/05/2024

✨ What a night! ✨

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards was an absolute triumph!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our young people. Your talent, dedication, and courage are an inspiration to us all.

Somerset is truly proud of you! 💖

Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible:
This is Gravity, Somerset Larder, Bridgwater & Taunton College, Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust, Young Somerset, Bounce Forward, Avon and Somerset Police,
Rotary Club of Taunton, University Centre Somerset, County Gazette.

👉 Follow us for a deep dive into the stories of our winners and nominees... for now, enjoy a selection of photography from the night - there's plenty more to come!

16/05/2024

🌟 The moment is here! 🌟

Tonight, we'll crown the Young Person of the Year, sponsored by Bridgwater & Taunton College, at the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards. Who will it be?

This award celebrates a young person who:
- Has demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their chosen field.
- Serves as an inspiration to others through their leadership, initiative, and positive impact.
- Exemplifies the best of what it means to be a young person in Somerset.

These extraordinary nominees have made a lasting impact through their dedication, leadership, and inspiring achievements. We can't wait to celebrate them all!

✨ Stay tuned for updates and winner announcements ✨

If you are joining us for the award ceremony this evening, it is taking place at The McMillan Theatre, with doors opening at 6.30pm.

14/05/2024

🎉 Somerset, are you ready to be inspired? 🎉

The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards is THIS THURSDAY at The McMillan Theatre!

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our county's young people. Get ready for a night filled with moving stories, incredible talent, and the inspiring spirit of our community. It's the biggest year yet! ✨

From outstanding athletes to dedicated volunteers, from creative artists to courageous leaders, these young people are truly the pride of Somerset.

We can't wait to welcome our attendees from 6.30pm, Thursday 16 May 2024, at The McMillan Theatre, Lower Bath Road, TA6 4PZ.

Don't worry if you're not attending - stay tuned to learn all about this year's incredible winners.

02/05/2024

👮‍♀️ Honouring the legacy of an extraordinary leader...

In partnership with Avon and Somerset Police, we are proud to present the Sandy Padgett Award. Named in memory of Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett, this award recognises young people who embody her exceptional spirit of service and unwavering commitment to the community.

This award celebrates those who:
- Create a positive impact through their actions, echoing Sandy Padgett's dedication to serving others.
- Find innovative solutions that improve the lives of those around them.
- Inspire others through their kindness, dedication, and leadership.
- Go above and beyond to make their community a better place.
- Act with bravery and determination, overcoming challenges just as Sandy Padgett did.

On Thursday 16 May at the McMillan Theatre, we celebrate young people who exemplify the values Sandy Padgett lived by.

29/04/2024

🌞 True heroes walk among us. 🎈

In partnership with Somerset Larder, champions of local flavour and community spirit, the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards honours remarkable acts of bravery with the Outstanding Courage Award.

This award celebrates young people who:
- Demonstrate unwavering courage in the face of adversity or danger.
- Their courageous actions create a profound positive impact on the lives of others.
- Their stories of bravery ignite a spark of courage and compassion within the community.
- Rise above personal challenges to help those in need.

On Thursday 16 May at the the McMillan Theatre, we celebrate the extraordinary spirit of Somerset's young people.

18/04/2024

🌍 The future of our planet depends on the actions we take today, and the young people leading the next generation 💚

In partnership with This is Gravity Ltd - located in a clean growth eco-system within the South West - the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards seeks to honour young people who have embedded themselves in the fight for the future of our planet.

The Environmental Award celebrates young people who are changing the world for the better.

This award recognises those who:
- Proactively participate in projects that protect and restore our planet.
- Develop creative solutions to tackle environmental challenges.
- Inspire others to embrace eco-conscious practices.
- Champion a greener lifestyle for themselves and their community.
- Create a measurable positive impact on our environment.

On Thursday 16 May at the McMillan Theatre, we will celebrate the extraordinary work and commitment of our young environmental champions. Here's to a greener future! 🌱