Hartlepool Heroes' 2026

Recognising an individual, group, business, or community organisation that has made a meaningful contribution to the creative sector within our community. This award celebrates those who bring fresh ideas, originality, and collaboration to their work, helping to inspire others and enrich the cultural life of the area.

Nominees might include artists, performers, designers, makers, digital creators, creative businesses, or community projects that use creativity to bring people together, challenge thinking, or transform spaces and experiences.

Recognising an individual, group, or organisation that goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in their community. This award celebrates those who give their time, energy, and passion to support others, whether through volunteering, leading local initiatives, organising events, or using sport and community activities to bring people together.

Nominees might include individuals who help neighbours in need, lead community projects, organise fundraising efforts, support local groups, or inspire others through sport and active lifestyles. Above all, this award recognises those who consistently step forward to help others and play a vital role in making their community a better place.

Recognising an individual working in emergency response or care who consistently goes above and beyond to protect and support the community. This award celebrates those who demonstrate exceptional bravery, compassion, and dedication in their role.

Nominees might include police officers, healthcare professionals, firefighters, coastguards, RNLI crews, or emergency call handlers who show outstanding commitment to keeping people safe and providing vital support when it matters most.

Celebrating an individual who is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability within their community. This award recognises those taking positive action to improve and care for the world around us.

Nominees might include individuals involved in activities such as tree planting, beach cleans, litter picking, environmental projects, or leading campaigns that encourage others to live more sustainably and protect the planet for future generations.

We all remember a special teacher from our own school days, who helped us develop a love of learning and made our school days memorable for the right reasons. This award celebrates educators who inspire a love of learning, offer unwavering support, and create positive, memorable experiences in education. This should be someone who has made a positive difference to your time in education.

Recognising an exceptional individual who has shown outstanding dedication and impact in their work with young people. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to support, mentor, and inspire the next generation.

Nominees might include youth workers, coaches, mentors, teachers, or volunteers who help young people overcome challenges, build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their full potential through their guidance and encouragement.

Recognising a child or youth (aged 17 or under on 13th June 2025) who provides care and support to others, despite their own commitments to school, college, or work. This award celebrates their resilience, compassion, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of those they care for. This should be someone who is unpaid for what they do and is aged 17 or under on 13th June 2026

*Please provide contact details for a parent/carer over 18 for the nomination to be valid.

Recognising an individual who selflessly dedicates their time to caring for others without financial reward. This award celebrates the compassion, commitment, and sacrifices made by those who provide vital support to family members, friends, neighbours, or others in need.

Nominees may include individuals who offer ongoing care or assistance at home or in the community, helping to improve the lives and wellbeing of those they support.

This award is open to unpaid carers aged 18 and over, whose dedication and kindness make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

Recognising an individual who has made a long-standing and meaningful contribution to the people and communities of Hartlepool. This award celebrates those whose dedication, service, and commitment over many years have helped shape and strengthen the town.

Nominees might include individuals who have supported community groups, led local initiatives, volunteered their time, championed local causes, or made a lasting impact through their work, leadership, or passion for improving life in Hartlepool.

This award honours someone whose contribution to the town has stood the test of time and whose efforts have made a real difference to others.

Your opportunity to nominate someone you believe is a true Hartlepool Hero — a person who makes a difference in your life or in the lives of others. Whether they fit neatly into another category or stand out for their own unique reasons, this award celebrates individuals whose actions, kindness, or dedication have had a positive impact on those around them.

This could be someone who has supported you personally, helped others in the community, or simply goes above and beyond to make life better for the people of Hartlepool.

This is that extra special person that makes a difference to you.