The successful long-running Evening Times initiative, in association with Glasgow Fort and supported by our other partners Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Glasgow Housing Association and Trades House of Glasgow, is back and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

“The Glasgow Community Champions Awards, in association with Glasgow Fort and supported by our other generous partners Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Glasgow Housing Association and Trades House of Glasgow, give us an opportunity to highlight that good work.”

He added: “Over the next few months, we will be sharing stories of wonderful initiatives and inspirational men and women going the extra mile in their neighbourhoods for the benefit of everyone.

“This year, for the first time, we will be holding a public vote to decide the regional winners who will go through to the grand final on December 6. This is a fantastic opportunity for our readers to tell us who they believe is making a difference in their communities and we look forward to hearing all about them.”

First of all, it is up to you to nominate individuals and groups in your area who you think deserve recognition for fantastic community work.

There are nine categories – Team Award, Individual Award, Public Service Award, Uniformed Services Award, Senior Award, Young Award, Health and Wellbeing Award, Sports Award and new for 2019, Teacher of the Year Award – covering three areas of Glasgow, the south, the north-east and the north-west.

You can nominate anyone from the hardworking coach of young person’s sports team, to a nurse who goes above and beyond the day job; from an inspirational teenager making waves to a pensioner who campaigns for better services.

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

You can nominate on the website at https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/glasgowcommchamps/

The closing date for entries is Tuesday, September 17. A shortlist will then go to a public online vote to determine the winners in each area, who will then progress to the Grand Final at Glasgow City Chambers on December 6.

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

Lord Provost Eva Bolander said: “It’s astonishing to think that the Community Champions Awards have been going for more than a decade.

“The grand final in the City Chambers is something I always look forward to. You meet great people and hear some amazing stories about the dedication and support given by remarkable people to Glaswegians young and old. It’s an exciting and proud time for everyone involved and it’s a great privilege to launch this year’s event. I never fail to be humbled by the ordinary men and women who do extraordinary work in our communities across this city. The awards are a celebration of them and the positive difference they make every day.”

Philip Goodman, Centre Director at Glasgow Fort, said: “We are extremely proud to be sponsoring the Glasgow Community Champions Awards once again this year. Community is important to us at Glasgow Fort and we recognise the responsibility we have when it comes to helping in the development and maintenance of vitality in the areas local to us.”

Tom McInally, Deacon Convener of Trades House, said: “As an organisation we have been helping the people of Glasgow since 1605, established to help protect and support the craftspeople of the city. We have developed into the charity we are today, focusing on supporting people in need and educational initiatives. The Community Champion Awards recognise those that make a real difference to their community – something that Trades House passionately believes in. It is an honour for us to be involved.”

Councillor Jennifer Layden, City Convenor for Community Empowerment and Equalities and Chair of the Glasgow Community Planning Partnership said: “Once again, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership (GCPP) is delighted to be involved with the Evening Times Community Champions Awards, recognising those individuals and organisations in communities across this wonderful city. I am heartened daily to hear of the fabulous work being done and the partnership working on local service delivery across all areas of the city and beyond. I firmly believe we can do this by delivering together; sharing good practice and exploring good robust joint working opportunities.”

Visit https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/glasgowcommchamps/ or email stephen.downie@newsquest.co.uk. For more information call 0141 302 6014.