Award nominations criteria and eligibility

1. Community Bridge Builder Award: Recognising an individual who has brought people of different backgrounds together, fostering unity and understanding.

Eligibility: Open to anyone from the community and not limited to SMEF members.

Criteria:

• Shown leadership in promoting inclusivity and understanding across diverse groups.

• Organised or led activities/events/projects that brought people of different faiths, cultures, or communities together.

• Demonstrated impact in reducing barriers and strengthening community cohesion.

• Inspired others to engage in cross-cultural friendship and collaboration.

2. Older People’s Champion Award: Recognising an individual who has made a significant contribution to supporting, empowering, or improving the lives of older people.

Eligibility:

• Open to anyone from the community or a group working with older people.

• 51% or more of the beneficiaries were from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Criteria

• Provided meaningful support to older people (e.g., tackling isolation, promoting wellbeing, offering advocacy).

• Created opportunities for older people to connect, contribute, or feel valued.

• Made a lasting positive impact on older people’s quality of life.

• Shown commitment and compassion in supporting older members of the community.

3. Young People’s Champion Award: Recognising an individual who has made a significant difference to the lives of young people.

Eligibility

• Open to anyone from the community or a group working with young people.

• 51% or more of the beneficiaries were from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Criteria

• Supported young people to thrive, develop skills, or build confidence.

• Acted as a role model or mentor, inspiring young people to reach their potential.

• Addressed challenges facing young people (e.g., mental health, education, opportunities).

• Made a tangible difference in the lives of young people individually or collectively.

4. Community Art Champion Award

Recognising an individual or group from an ethnic minority background for their outstanding contribution to the arts.

Eligibility: This award is for creatives in the field of 2D and 3D visual arts including painting, drawing, sculpture.  It also includes the performing arts such as film, dance, drama as well as the literary arts, creative writing, and poetry

Criteria: (nominations should include at least one of the criteria below)

• Positively impacted the community through their art (e.g., encouraging participation, promoting understanding, making arts accessible, breaking barriers).

• Inspired others to take part in or appreciate the arts.

Note: the artwork does not have to be limited to the English language, and can be in other community languages, a mix of languages and BSL, if this is relevant to the artists’ creative practice.