Exciting new changes for this year include a new format, a public vote to decide regional winners and a fabulous new category dedicated to teaching staff across the city.

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 Teacher Award – covering three areas of Glasgow – the south, the north-east and the north-west.

Over the next few weeks we will be catching up with previous winners to inspire you to get involved.

The north west of Glasgow was well-represented at last year’s grand final, with nine finalists and three fantastic winners in the mix.

Poverty Alliance fieldwork development officer Twimukye Macline Mushaka triumphed in the Individual category, to the delight of her friends and family who came along to support her at the event.

Twimukye had overcome many personal health issues to help others.

Catherine Hughes, who nominated Twimukye, said: “Twimukye had used her personal experience to try and make Scotland a better place for everyone.”

An emotional Twimukye, who has hearing and vision disabilities, said: “It’s great to be here, amongst so many inspiring people. I’m very happy to be recognised by this great event.

“Because of my own health issues at the moment – I am losing my sight – I have not been in a very good place. But this feels good. I have never let my disabilities or ill health stand in my way. I will continue to push the issues that matter, and help the people who need it.”

Notre Dame Children’s Centre scooped the North West heat Health and Wellbeing Award, just being pipped to the post for the overall title at the grand final.

The centre, which was established back in 1931, supports children living tough lives and the kinship carers who help them.

It provides a range of assessment and therapeutic services to young people suffering from trauma and neglect, and helps their carers access the services which might be useful to them.

Partick Thistle Charitable Trust won the north west heat’s sports award, narrowly missing out on the top prize in the grand final.

Established in 2011, it was the first scheme of its kind in Scotland to introduce structured programmes of football and physical activity for disabled people.

Recently, the trust set up a project to help homeless people, working in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde GP and pharmacy services.

Comprising football sessions, meals and clothing for more than 30 homeless adults, the programme has helped people overcome challenges such as addiction and depression, and has assisted some in finding training and jobs.

WE want to hear about inspirational individuals and great groups in your area – who do you think deserves recognition for fantastic community work?

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 at school 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.