Public to nominate community heroes

2nd year Enfield’s Finest – nominations close 31st January 2009

Enfield Council’s second community awards scheme ‘Enfield’s Finest’ is announced this week to celebrate those special people who make an extra big contribution to their communities.

Many people know of somebody who goes the extra mile for others, shows great courage or in some way makes Enfield a better place. They might be doing voluntary work or they may be carers.

They might be entrepreneurs running businesses that help Enfield’s economy and provide work for others. They might have great social skills that put people at their ease.

There are people in Enfield who are doing great things and Enfield Council wants to know who are they are.

Council leader, Mike Rye, said, “We want to publicly recognise the contribution that local people make in our borough. I want to know about the heroes and heroines, the entrepreneurs, the campaigners, the courageous, the young and those who are older.

“Let’s say a public thank you to these marvellous people and give them the public recognition they deserve. To all Enfield I say, please get a nomination form from libraries, the Civic Centre or any council building – or download from the council’s website. Nominate someone outstanding.”

Enfield’s chief executive, Rob Leak, added, “Our first award ceremony was a tremendous success. It was a great occasion. We know that there are people helping to make this borough a great place and we want to celebrate them and thank them. It’s now up to the public to nominate them.”

There are several categories in the scheme and the public can nominate more than one person. All nominations will require a short explanation why they have nominated a particular person. The closing date is 31st January 2009.

Those people who are among the final nominations will be announced at a special awards ceremony later in 2009.

Here are the categories for Enfield’s Finest:

1. Community champions

We are looking for three champions who are making major contributions to the community.

Voluntary Sector Champion: The voluntary sector has a number of important groups making a big difference to local communities. People working in these groups could be working for children or older people or developing youth activities.

Environmental Neighbourhood Champion: Is there somebody living near to you who cares about the locality. It might be planting in community gardens on estates, tending flower- beds on traffic roundabouts, creating lovely gardens, running community clean –up schemes, encouraging environmental improvements.

2. Acts of courage

Age groups – under 12, 12 – 18, Adults

In all three age groups there will be somebody who has shown immense courage. It could be somebody caring for another person or somebody taking steps to rescue another – or help with crime prevention, or standing up to bullying. Perhaps it is someone who has overcome physical or mental disability and is now fully independent.

3. Special Youth Award

We are looking for an outstanding young person aged 16- 21. Have they worked hard on developing their own skills and talents? Maybe they are young carers. Perhaps they have shown an adventurous spirit taking on physical challenges here or abroad.

4. Community cohesion

Who is working hard to bring people together from many diverse communities improving racial harmony, developing understanding and promoting mutual respect? This award recognises the importance of securing a safe, secure borough where people can enjoy and celebrate the richness of Enfield’s diversity.

Forms can be downloaded from the council’s website at: www.enfield.gov.uk or call 020 8379 4406 for information.

This document was last updated on 2008-09-26 14:29:31 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_133356