Do Something Amazing for Someone Amazing: Nominate a Somerset Champion for a UK Honour

The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, is inviting charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and local residents across Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset to help identify and celebrate the remarkable people who make a difference every day.

In a recent letter to community organisations across the county, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset encouraged people to consider nominating those whose dedication, service and achievements deserve recognition through the UK Honours system.

Mr Mohammed Saddiq:

"Please help me find and celebrate the amazing people who deserve recognition through the UK Honours system."

Each year, honours are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement or who consistently go "above and beyond" in the service of others.

The invitation is aimed at recognising the people who often work quietly behind the scenes to strengthen communities. The Lord-Lieutenant highlights examples such as long-serving volunteers, carers, fundraisers, community organisers, sports coaches, choir leaders, teachers, mentors and first responders.

As the Lord-Lieutenant explains:

"These are the people who hold our communities together and who do wonderful things locally day after day. Honours are for them just as much as for those in the public eye."

Anyone Can Nominate

One of the key messages of the campaign is that honours are open to everyone.

"Anyone can nominate, and anyone can be nominated."

You do not need a particular title, position or connection to put someone forward. Nominations can come from colleagues, friends, fellow volunteers, committee members or organisations that have seen first-hand the difference someone has made.

The Lord-Lieutenant is particularly keen that nominations reflect the full breadth of communities across Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset, ensuring that inspirational local people from every area have the opportunity to be recognised.

What Makes a Strong Nomination?

The campaign poster, titled"Who is your Somerset Champion? Nominate Them for a National Honour", provides practical guidance for submitting a successful nomination.

A strong nomination should tell the nominee's story with clear evidence of what they have done and how their actions have improved the lives of others. It also encourages nominators to:

• Give as much detail as possible about achievements and impact.

• Show the benefits their work has brought to a community, sector or locality.

• Include strong supporting letters from people who know the nominee's achievements first-hand.

  
  

People may be suitable for nomination if they:

• Make a real impact in their community or workplace.

• Devote themselves to selfless voluntary service.

• Support children and young people.

• Change things for the better.

• Help improve life for others.

• Demonstrate innovation or entrepreneurship.

Could Someone in Your Community Be a Somerset Champion?

The Lord-Lieutenant is asking organisations to think carefully about the people who make a difference in the communities they serve and to share the opportunity with staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters.

"Excellence exists in every postcode."

If there is someone in your organisation or local community whose dedication, generosity or service deserves wider recognition, now could be the perfect time to put their name forward.

Further information about the honours process and nomination forms can be found at www.gov.uk/honours, while informal guidance is available from the Lieutenancy Office via honours@somerset.gov.uk.

"Do something amazing for someone amazing."