The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards
Meet Our Team and Patrons
The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards turn the spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of young individuals in our community. These awards are dedicated to recognising the inspirational efforts and accomplishments of our young people who are shaping a brighter future with their unwavering determination and selfless actions.
In autumn this year, we were incredibly honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to a special reception to meet some of the 2024 Award winners, held at the Taunton Campus of Bridgwater & Taunton College.
Founded by the Rotary Club of Taunton, the awards are jointly organised by Passion for Somerset CIC and Bridgwater & Taunton College.
These awards celebrate the often unsung heroes among our Somerset young people. We honour those who have made a significant impact in the past year - whether through advocating for others, pursuing their dreams, or selflessly serving their community.
Nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of judges, our deserving winners are honoured in a ceremony at the McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater.
The 2025 Awards will be held at the McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater on Wednesday 21st May.
Nominations are now open - to give you the opportunity to tell us even more of your inspirational and heart-warming stories, we have decided to give you an extra week to do so. The final deadline for nominations to reach us is 11.59pm on Monday 10 March 2025.
The 2024 Awards Evening
The 2024 award ceremony took place on Thursday 16 May 2024 at The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater with Award winners having the opportunity to be presented to Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne at a special reception held subsequently.
The Princess Royal has long been an advocate for youth and community engagement and her attendance at the reception reflected the importance of recognising and supporting the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
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2025 Award Categories
Sporting Achievement Award
2024 winner Theo Gundry-White.
The Sporting Achievement Award is designed to recognise and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication, and success of young individuals or teams in the realm of sports.
The Sporting Achievement Award is open to any young person or team that has made a significant achievement in any field of sports. Whether they're a promising young athlete, a key player in a local team, or a group that has excelled together, this award seeks to recognise those who have truly stood out.
Passion for Somerset brings the people of Somerset together, supports its members, organises activities and initiatives for the greater good and works with individuals, communities and businesses throughout the county. No other organisation does what they do - bringing together the historic county of Somerset and its three unitary authorities under one banner to promote the Somerset brand.
Care Award
2024 winner Leah Spanswick.
The Care Award is a heartfelt recognition of the selflessness, compassion, and profound impact that young caregivers have on the lives of their family members, neighbours, or any individuals they assist.
The Care Award is open to any young individual who has taken on the role of a caregiver for a family member, neighbour or any individual in their community. Whether providing care due to illness, disability, age or any other reason, nominees should be those who have shown exceptional care, compassion, and commitment.
The first for news, sport, events, M5 traffic & travel in Taunton, Bridgwater, Chard, Yeovil, Glastonbury, Ilminster and beyond.
Charity/Volunteer Hero
2024 winners Archie and Jack
The Charity / Volunteer Hero Award is designed to honour and celebrate the selfless young individuals or groups who have dedicated their time, effort, and heart to helping others. This award recognises those inspirational figures who go above and beyond in their charitable or volunteer work, making a significant and positive impact in their community or beyond.
The Charity / Volunteer Hero Award is open to any young person or group of young people who have been actively involved in charity work or volunteering. This can range from fundraising and awareness campaigns to direct service and support for those in need. Nominees should be those who have made a noticeable difference through their charitable or volunteer activities.
The primary voluntary and community sector youth work organisation in Somerset and our mission is to put young people first.
Community Hero
2024 winner Josh Harvey
The Community Hero Award is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the young individuals or groups who have performed selfless acts leading to a substantial impact on their communities.
The Community Hero Award is open to any young person or group of young people who have made a notable positive impact on their community through their actions. Whether they've organised a neighbourhood clean-up, started a local charity event, or helped in any other way to make their community a better place, these individuals embody the spirit of community heroism.
The trust aims to provide all members of the local community with the opportunity to access quality sport, physical activity, and wellbeing provision whatever their age, gender or ethnicity.
Environmental Award
2024 Winner Daniel Lee Barnett
The Environmental Award is designed to honour and celebrate the young individuals or groups who are passionately dedicated to making a positive difference in the environment.
The Environmental Award is open to any young person or group of young people who have demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Nominees should be those who have made noticeable efforts to improve the environment, either through direct action, advocacy, education or innovation.
Come rain or shine, we’ve been proudly making delicious organic food from the heart of the Somerset countryside for thirty years. After all, there’s no greater joy in life than eating well and nature is the best chef.
Outstanding Courage Award
2024 winnerTheo Trevor Eades
The Outstanding Courage Award recognises and celebrates the extraordinary bravery and spirit shown by young individuals who have performed acts of incredible courage, significantly impacting the life or lives of others.
The Outstanding Courage Award is open to any young person who has demonstrated exceptional courage in a way that has significantly impacted others. Nominees should be individuals who have gone above and beyond, showing bravery in the face of adversity or danger, and making a substantial difference in the lives of others.
Globally, there are millions of children who are deprived of an opportunity to learn. On an individual basis, a SchoolBag for these children can provide vastly improved learning capabilities, hope and a lifeline to a future out of poverty. On a world scale, educating the next generation is a key force to human development and global stability.
Young Person of the Year Award
2024 winner Ellie Bealing.
The Young Person of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade reserved for a young individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their pursuits, whether in fundraising, academics, community service, or any other endeavour.
The Young Person of the Year Award is open to any young individual who has distinguished themselves through their dedication, impact, and the exemplary manner in which they've conducted their activities. Nominees for this award are those who have not only excelled in their field but have also made a notable difference through their efforts and stand as a beacon of inspiration and leadership
PROMISEworks is an inspirational charity that supports vulnerable children and young people across Somerset through volunteer mentoring. Facilitating life-enhancing relationships across generations. Making positive connections, building friendships and creating memories. 95% of children who have had a mentor, has said that it has helped their self-esteem and improved their relationships, at home, school and within the community.
Championing Positive Mental Health Award
2024 winner Freya
The Championing Positive Mental Health Award is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating young individuals who are actively engaged in promoting mental well-being, both for themselves and others.
The Championing Positive Mental Health Award is open to any young person who has shown a remarkable commitment to promoting mental well-being in themselves and others. Nominees should be individuals who have made a noticeable impact in their circles, whether through personal actions, support for peers, or broader advocacy and awareness efforts.
Supporting young people’s mental health via experts in training teachers and parents using evidence-based concepts and theories that make a real difference to young people's lives.
Art and Culture Award
2024 winner Ernie Shorten
This prestigious award is designed to spotlight and celebrate the most outstanding contributions and accomplishments of young individuals within the realms of the arts or cultural activities. It aims to recognise those who have demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication in their artistic or cultural pursuits.
The Art and Culture Award is open to all young artists and cultural practitioners, who are actively involved in arts and cultural activities. Whether they are painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, filmmakers or cultural ambassadors, this award seeks to recognise those who have made significant contributions to the cultural life of their community.
Morledge & Co. is a leading PR, marketing, and communications agency dedicated to driving impactful connections and growth. Through their sponsorship of the Art and Culture Award, they aim to champion emerging talent and inspire the next generation of creative leaders in Somerset.
Sandy Padgett Award
2024 winners ZP4 (FredBale, Lewis Townsend, Ollie Chorley, Sawyer Hansford, Josh Hatt, Charlie Barden, Alfie Bale & Alex Peek).
Named in memory of Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett, a dedicated and respected figure in Somerset's police force, this award seeks to recognise those who embody the spirit of commitment, service, and extraordinary achievement that Sandy represented throughout her life.
The Sandy Padgett Award is open to any young person who has demonstrated exceptional achievement or contribution in any field or endeavour. This award is not limited by the type of achievement but is rather focused on the extraordinary nature and impact of the nominee's actions.
Upholding the Rotary mantra of ‘service above self’, the club endeavours to make a difference and respond to the changing and increasingly diverse needs of today’s world by offering support and hope at home and aboard.
The Peter Renshaw Outstanding Educational Achiever Award
This award celebrates young people in Somerset who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, passion and achievement in their educational pursuits. It is dedicated to the memory of Peter Renshaw, whose unwavering support for young people and dedication to education made a lasting impact on the community.
The Peter Renshaw Outstanding Educational Achiever Award is open to any young person under 21 years old who resides in Somerset and has demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their education. Nominees should be individuals who have not only excelled academically but also shown a genuine passion for learning and a commitment to their educational journey
Delivering outstanding policing to everyone in Avon and Somerset. Serve. Protect. Respect.
Nominate an exceptional young individual for the 2025 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN and to give you the opportunity to tell us even more of your inspirational and heart-warming stories, the final deadline for nominations to reach us has been extended by one week to 11.59pm on Monday 10 March 2025.
*Please note: all nominees must be under the age of 21 and live, work or be in full time education in the historic county of Somerset.
