WE have learned many things in the past 18 months and one of the most important is the value of community.

People have rallied round incredibly in so many ways during the toughest and most challenging of times.

Communities up and down the land have shown the importance of working together and helping each other.

Now to celebrate the very best of Dorset and its residents Wessex Water is launching the Community of the Year Awards 2021.

Wessex Water wants to highlight the very best of where you live – the people and things that make a difference.

There are five categories in the awards which we are launching today:

  • Community of the Year
  • Community Project of the Year
  • Community Hero of the Year
  • Community Business of the Year
  • Community Young Star of the Year

Nominate your favourites and the winner from each category will win a £500 donation to a nominated local registered charity, in association with Dorset Community Foundation.

The closing date for nominations is October 31.

Winners will be announced in November.

Diarmuid MacDonagh, editor of the Dorset Echo, said: “Having lived in heart of Dorset and worked for the newspaper for many years, I am very aware of just how many amazing communities there are, from the smallest neighbourhoods and villages, to our large towns and everything in between.

“Individuals, organisations, teamwork and looking out for each other are what make our communities special and these awards are all about celebrating the very best of that.

“Through the pandemic we have reported on so many remarkable and inspiring people and I would encourage as many of our readers as possible to submit nominations to recognise these community heroes.”

Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s head of community engagement, said: “We’re really excited to be supporting Dorset Community of the Year, which will showcase some of the best places to live in the county, along with the local heroes who keep the community spirit alive.

“As a local company, we’re out and about in the beautiful communities of Dorset every day, renewing pipework and detecting leaks, and we love getting to know our customers who live there.

“But there’s more to Wessex Water than just providing essential services for customers.

“We’re always looking for ways to give something back to the areas we serve, through funding community projects, visiting schools through our education programme, volunteering for local causes or installing water bottle refill units to help reduce single-use plastic.

“I am really looking forward to hearing from people about what makes their Dorset community so special through this competition.”

How to nominate

You can nominate in as many or as few categories as you like and must provide a statement on why your nominee deserves to win.

Nominations are open until October 31, 2021, at which point a shortlist for each category will be announced where you can vote for the winners.

Community of the Year:

Community brings a sense of belonging. Whether it’s the village or area you live in, a group you are part of, or just a friendly street of neighbours, we want to hear what makes your community tick and why it is special.

Community Project of the Year:

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen so many people come together in so many different ways to help their communities.

So this might be a group of volunteers who have worked to build something, launch an initiative to help others or improve the environment. We want to hear about projects that have enriched their community.

Dorset Echo:

Wessex Water volunteers holding a beach clean at Chesil Beach

Community Hero of the Year

As with the community project category, the last 18 months have shown just how many heroes we have in our local communities, there for others in good times and bad. Tell us about the inspiring person in your community who really makes a difference.

Community Business of the Year

Businesses – particularly small businesses – have really had a tough time lately. But many have rallied round and made a huge difference to their communities, whether it be the corner shop delivering to the elderly and vulnerable, or a local factory turning its hand to making PPE for key workers, nominate a business that’s been a pillar of your community.

Community Young Star of the Year

There are so many inspiring young people in our communities who give their time and commitment to making a difference. They don’t always get heard. So tell us about a young person under the age of 18 in your community who has gone above and beyond to make that difference to their community.

Community work has always been a huge part of the Wessex Water ethos and the company has close links with the Dorset Community Foundation.

Our community fund supports charitable and community activities which aim to improve the lives of people across our region, especially those in most need of help and support.

Our grants fund of around half a million pounds is targeted at projects and organisations where a small amount of money can make a significant difference.

Key areas including education and the environment but also much more besides.

Wessex Water supports, in particular, work taking place in areas of deprivation and isolation and projects helping to build stronger communities.

Those who can apply for grants include voluntary and community groups with charitable aims, registered charities, community interest companies, town and parish councils.

The Environment Fund supports activities that improve the local environment and have a positive impact on the quality of life.

Priorities are the conservation of water use, reduction of single use plastic, reducing waste and improving local biodiversity.

Wessex Water staff also undertake several volunteer days each year, helping out in the community.

To get involved

Please go to wessexwater.co.uk/dorset-community-awards to complete and subject your nomination form, or forms if more than one.

Please remember the closing date is October 31.