READERS are being encouraged to tell us about community projects in the city that are improving the lives of York residents.

The Press is inviting nominations in the Best Community Project category of our annual Community Pride Awards.

We are delighted to announce York’s Joseph Rowntree Foundation has renewed its sponsorship of this category, which aims to recognise the tireless efforts of the unsung heroes who run the projects.

The accolade, which is open to projects carried out by informal and non-recognised voluntary groups, was won last year by the student-run project Minds In Motion, which provides help for dementia sufferers in York.

Julia Unwin is chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which funds a research and development programme aimed at addressing the root causes of social problems.

She said: “We are very pleased, once again, to be supporting the Best Community Project category in The Press’s Community Pride Awards.

“Year on year we see so many fantastic groups who are committed to making positive contributions to their local communities.

“Many people and communities in York make a real difference to the places where they work and live, and these awards are a wonderful way of recognising that hard work and commitment.”

The deadline for entries to our Community Pride Awards, which are being run in partnership with City of York Council and Benenden Healthcare Society, is Friday, July 23.

A panel of judges will then draw up a shortlist, and finalists from each category will be invited to a ceremony at York Racecourse in October.

To make a nomination, fill in the coupon that accompanies this article and return it with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award.


York Press: Community Pride Awards 2010 - categories and sponsors