Better Business / Member news
Nominations open for Bristol Young Heroes 2026
Returning for its 13th year, Bristol Young Heroes Awards, are in search for the next batch of unsung young heroes of the city.
Nominations have opened for the 2026 Bristol Young Heroes Awards, celebrating the extraordinary young people helping to shape the city’s future.
The awards invite the public to nominate young Bristolians who have shown courage, creativity, resilience, leadership and a commitment to their communities.
Nominations are open until February 12, with the awards ceremony set to take place in July 2026.
Last year’s Overall Hero, Chloe, said the recognition had a lasting impact
Delivered by Bristol social enterprise Community of Purpose, the awards aim to shine a light on young people whose achievements often go unrecognised, despite having a profound impact on the city.
This year’s awards feature some 11 categories, including Community Hero, Creative Hero, Environmental and Sustainability Hero, Sporting Hero and the High Sheriff’s Award, with one young person ultimately named Overall Hero 2026. Since launching, more than 800 young people have been nominated and 12 Overall Heroes recognised.
Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2025 at the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa
Gemma B, event manager for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards, said: “Every year we are blown away by the courage, talent, and compassion shown by young people across Bristol.
These awards give our city the chance to pause and recognise their extraordinary contributions. By launching nominations early this year, we hope even more people will take the time to shine a light on a young person who inspires them.”
Last year’s Overall Hero, Chloe, said the recognition had a lasting impact: “Winning the Overall Hero award changed everything for me.”
Chloe beat extraordinary odds while juggling hospital appointments, lessons and raising awareness on cancer among young people.
She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Year 10, which meant taking extended time away from her studies for hospital appointments. Despite all this, she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and even completed a 10k Shine Walk while she was still unwell.
She continued: It made me feel seen for the first time, and it gave me confidence to believe that what I was doing really mattered. There are so many young people in Bristol who deserve that same recognition.”
Since launching, more than 800 young people have been nominated and 12 Overall Heroes recognised
The 2026 awards are supported by UWE, GKN and Lancer Scott.
Nominations can be submitted via the Community of Purpose website, with residents, teachers, youth workers and organisations encouraged to put forward young people making a difference across the city.
Nominations can be submitted at www.communityofpurpose.com/nominate
Community of Purpose are member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
All photos: Dougie Allward/Made for Impact
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