Nominate someone for the East Sussex Big Thank You Awards

Portrait of confident smiling female nurse with arms crossed looking at camera, over gray background

Over the past 12 months, we have seen heroic efforts from so many key workers, neighbours, communities, families and friends, helping to keep us safe and healthy.

These awards headlined by Hastings Direct are to be held in October 2021 at the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne – will be an opportunity for us all to say a big thank you to those who have done so much to help others during this pandemic. The live awards ceremony will also be streamed from the venue directly to our online pages, meaning that event attendees can experience the event even if they are not in the room.

The categories are as follows:

NHS Hero: an award for any NHS worker who has touched your life, or the lives of your family and friends during the pandemic.

Care Sector Hero: an award for a care professional, either in a care home or a caring in the home setting.

Education Hero: this award is for teachers, teaching assistants and childminders, nannies or childcare settings.

Community Hero: Many community groups and individuals have played a significant role in supporting their local communities and beyond. Tell us about your community hero(es).

Teenage girl is delivering some groceries to an elderly person.

Volunteer of the Year: for those who give up their time to ensure that organisations can continue their work.

Child Hero (aged 10 or under): tell us about a child's actions that have made you proud, and given you real hope for the future of our community.

Young Hero (aged 10 -18): recognising a young star who has become a role model for others.

Outstanding Act of Bravery: who do you know that has shown true bravery through a difficult time, illness or challenge?

Elementary school teacher helping her student with learning during a class in the classroom. They are wearing protective face masks due to coronavirus pandemic.

Emergency Services: an award to celebrate those that support us within the 999 services

Lockdown Neighbour: who do you know that has much an effort to transform your neighbourhood in these trying times?

Shop Worker of the Year: we want to hear your stories about your local shop worker who went above and beyond to support you, or simply made your day.

Essential/Key worker Award: this category is for people outside of the health and care sectors, such as a delivery drivers, postal workers, utility workers or local government.

Inspirational Person: has someone you know something amazing, and you feel they should be recognised for their achievement?

Family of the Year: this award is to honour those who have pulled together to support each other and the wider community.

Collaboration Award: this award is for organisations that have combined their skills to demonstrate what can be achieved by working together.

Unsung Sporting Hero: playing sport may have stopped during the pandemic, but behind our local clubs there were COVID-19 lockdown initiatives happening. We want to say thank you to the unsung sporting heroes during the pandemic lockdown.

The Big Thank You (Public Vote): once judging has taken place, we will publish the shortlist for the public to vote for their overall Big Thank You winner.

To cast your nominations, visit https://www.sussexbigthankyou.co.uk.

Do it for someone who deserves it!

Special thanks to our event sponsors; Hastings Direct, The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Hastings Borough Council, Embassy Leisure Corporation Ltd, Hastings Aquarium and Marshall-Tufflex