Do you know an unsung hero who has made your community more resilient? Or a group that has gone above and beyond to champion community resilience in Somerset?
Nominations are now open for the Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Awards 2025, recognising people and groups who have taken that extra step to help their community be better able to deal with emergencies.
These awards recognise people or groups who have gone above and beyond to help their community be better able to deal with emergencies
Whether they have set up a flood group, run a good neighbour scheme, written a community emergency plan, or organised volunteer training, the awards celebrate those who make a real difference to local preparedness.
Awards will be presented in two categories:
• Group Award – for community organisations demonstrating exceptional emergency planning or preparedness
• Individual Award – for people who have made significant personal contributions to community resilience.
Award winners will receive public recognition and vouchers for community activities. The awards will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Mohammed Saddiq.
The winners will be announced at the Annual Somerset Prepared Community Day at Taunton Racecourse on Wednesday 15 October.
This free event brings together key organisations including the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority and Somerset Council to help local communities strengthen their resilience against emergencies, with workshops, presentations and equipment demonstrations.
Last year’s winners were Lucie Reader of Pitcombe, whose exceptional leadership ensured all homes in her community are now flood protected for future emergencies, and Nunney Parish Council, whose councillors worked proactively with residents to improve their resilience to flooding.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council Lead Member for Communities, Culture and Equalities and Diversity, said: “These awards shine a light on the incredible individuals and groups across Somerset who dedicate their time and energy to keeping their communities safe. From local flood groups to neighbourly support networks, resilience work often goes unseen – but it makes a huge difference when emergencies happen. I’d encourage everyone to put forward their local resilience heroes for recognition.”
The deadline for nominations is Monday 22 September.
Submit your nomination here: https://www.somersetprepared.org.uk/somerset-community-resilience-awards
If you have any questions, please contact somersetprepared@somerset.gov.uk or floodwessex@environment-agency.gov.uk.
