BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru are joining forces once again to celebrate Wales’ unsung community heroes with the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026.
Led by BBC Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen and BBC Radio Cymru’s Caryl Parry Jones, BBC Cymru Wales is calling on listeners from across Wales to nominate their local heroes.
The Make a Difference Awards, which launched in Wales for the first time last year, will celebrate people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities, recognising acts of kindness and extraordinary contribution.
There are eight categories, including the Community Group Award for a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community; the Young Hero Award, which will honour an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community; and the Active Award, which will recognise individuals or groups who have used physical activity or sport to improve the lives of those in their community.
Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category.
Winners will be announced at the Make a Difference Awards ceremony in September 2026.
Garmon Rhys, Interim Director of BBC Cymru Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Make a Difference Awards to Wales for another year. We’re looking forward to celebrating and recognising the work of people who make a difference in the lives of others. Having over 700 nominations in Wales last year was amazing, and we’d love to make that total even bigger this year.”
Lucy Owen from BBC Radio Wales says: “I can’t wait to celebrate our unsung heroes again this year. Every day, there are people going above and beyond to help others making a difference to their communities and I’m so delighted that these awards give us a chance to recognise everything they do. I’ve found however, that our heroes tend to be extraordinarily humble! So please, if there’s someone remarkable who you know is making a difference, please don’t hesitate to nominate them, they deserve it!”
BBC Radio Cymru’s Caryl Parry Jones says: “Presenting the awards ceremony last year was an incredible privilege and every one of the nominees an example of inspiration, bravery and heart. I can’t wait to see the wonderful people this year’s awards will shine a light on.”
Nominations are now open and will close on Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 5:00pm. For a full list of categories – and details of how to nominate someone, go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see full Terms and our Privacy Notice.
Categories 2026:
The Volunteer Award – awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
The Community Group Award (supported by Morning Live) – awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.
The Fundraiser Award – awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
The Young Hero Award – awarded to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
The Great Neighbour Award – awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
The Active Award – awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
The Environmental Award – awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.
The Animal Award – awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.
