Stronger Communities Awards 2021

Contribution to the Arts

Sponsored by Creative Darlington 

This award will be given to an individual or group who has made a major contribution to the arts in Darlington either by the excellence of their own performance, commitment to organising activities or by being role models to others in their attitude to the arts.

Vocational Excellence

Sponsored by Darlington College

The judges are looking for an individual (of any age) who has engaged in vocational learning such as a course or apprenticeship that has specialised in a particular trade or discipline and whose achievement has been outstanding.

Public Service Hero

Sponsored by the Blue Light Services

The judges are looking for an individual or individuals who have gone far above and beyond their duty, either as a one off exceptional incident or consistently in their line of work. Anyone working in a public service role can be nominated for this award.

Exceptional Young Volunteer

Sponsored by HSBC 

The judges will award this to a young person (under the age of 18) or group of young people who have shown outstanding commitment in their voluntary field without expectation of reward or recognition. This might be the length of time someone has volunteered, the breadth of responsibility that they have taken or the sacrifice they made in order to volunteer.

Bringing Success to Darlington

Sponsored by Darlington Building Society

The judges will award this to a business whose extraordinary achievement has been recognised on the regional, national or international stage, adding to Darlington’s reputation. This might be in an innovation or reputation in business, public service, academia or the arts that has put Darlington on the map.

Contribution to the Community

Sponsored by the County Durham Community Foundation

The judges are looking for an individual or group who are involved in activities aimed at improving where they live.

Contribution to Sport

Sponsored by Darlington Football Club 

The judges are looking for groups or individuals who have made a major contribution to sport in Darlington through commitment to organising activities, volunteering or by being role models to others in their attitude to sport.

Performance in Sport

Sponsored by Move More Darlington

This award will be presented to an individual or group that the judges see have excelled in their chosen sport.

Exceptional Care

Sponsored by Primary Healthcare Darlington

This category recognises teams in Darlington which have provided care in a way that has made a real difference to your life or someone you care for and the people of Darlington. It might well be a team whose work doesn’t normally have a high profile but who should be recognised for the great care they provide.

Exceptional volunteer

Sponsored by Police, Crime & Victims Commissioner 

The judges award this to an individual or group showing outstanding commitment in their voluntary field without expectation of reward or recognition. This might be the length of time someone has volunteered, the breadth of responsibility they have undertaken, or the sacrifice they have made. 

Contribution to the environment

The judges are looking for an individual, community group or business that is having a positive impact on the environment through projects or particular initiatives – e.g. improving wildlife habitats, reducing carbon footprint, or enhancing open spaces. 

Above & Beyond Award – Business contribution to Darlington during the COVID-19 pandemic#

Sponsored by Darlington Borough Council's Economic Growth Team

Whether it’s helping a voluntary or community organisation, fundraising for a good cause. or donating time and resources to local communities, this award recognises a business who has gone ‘above and beyond’ their normal business model and have selflessly contributed their time and effort to others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Academic excellence

Sponsored by Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College

The award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement that deserves wider recognition. 

Exceptional student

Sponsored by Teesside University

The judges will award this to a student who doesn’t fall into either previous categories but who deserves recognition for the extraordinary effort they have made, or for remaining committed to their learning in the face of adversity. This could include a student who despite them or their family being affected by Covid carried on learning with determination.

Contribution to Education

Sponsored by Darlington Borough Council Education & Inclusion Team

This award recognises those hardworking, dedicated members of staff in schools who have been so important to you or a member of your family’s education. It may be a teacher or it may be someone else who works at the school whose exceptional effort of kindness has made all the difference

Covid Hero

Sponsored by Public Health Darlington

This award celebrated those special people whose extraordinary kindness and effort enabled others to overcome difficulties they were facing throughout the pandemic. It may be someone who lives around the corner helping their neighbours, or someone providing a service that went the extra mile. 

Business contribution to the community

Sponsored by EE

This award recognises business with a passion and commitment to giving something back. Whether it’s helping a voluntary or community organisation, fundraising for a good cause, or donating time and resources to local communities. 

Building Communities

Sponsored by DBC Building Stronger Communities

This award recognises those who help build and better the community, making Darlington a better place for all. Councillor Dulston will choose a business amongst the nominees as the winner of this award and so there is no formal nomination.