A scheme has returned for a third year to help recognise and celebrate a young person in the community who has made an impact in their local neighbourhood.

The Compassionate Community Awards 2022, initially created by the Heart of Kent Hospice and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), was launched to showcase the positive actions of those who have made a difference.

The category for under 18s is looking for a young person who has made a significant impact in the borough to help and support others.

This could be someone who has made a difference to someone’s life, build community spirit, or has become a role model in the local neighbourhood.

Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid, is lead member for communities and public engagement at MBC and is a judge at the awards.

She said: “I’m most intrigued to see the nominations for the compassionate young person.

“It’s special when children do things – part of growing up is growing into that social responsibility. I think with young people there is often a tendency to bash and criticise them.

“But there are children that go out on their bikes and deliver things, as well as doing bits of shopping for others.”

Rachel Street, chief executive at the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, said: “Young people in Maidstone do a huge amount of compassionate work and care in the community – a lot of it goes under the radar.”

She added: “It could be anything from someone looking after an elderly resident in their community, or does the shopping for a person down the road once a week, or mows the lawn.

“Whatever it is – it doesn’t have to be a huge thing – it just would be nice to recognise and celebrate.

“Being part of the judging panel, I’m slightly terrified, as it is so hard to make a choice.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I’d give them all an award if I could!”

Last year, Katie-Jo Webb picked up the prize for compassionate young person for the care she provided her community through lockdown.

She was nominated by her mother, who is vulnerable, for taking the time to do her and her neighbour’s shopping.

Katie also volunteered at vaccination hubs and rang people to keep in touch with them throughout lockdowns.

Entries are now open and close at midnight on Wednesday, October 5. There are six awards up for grabs.

Other categories include compassion in a business or workplace; in a school or by a teacher; by a volunteer or a neighbour; or demonstrated by a care or residential home.

To nominate an individual, group or organisation, in no more than 250 words, send in some examples of how they have demonstrated compassion, along with pictures, if possible.

Or you can send a three-minute video or voice recording telling us how they have supported their community. They must either live or work, or have a connection to the borough.

To find out more, and to nominate a group or individual click here.

The winners will be announced and awards presented on Tuesday, November 1, at Maidstone Town Hall.