Hartlepool Heroes returns for 2026: The search is on for the town's unsung stars

Winners of Hartlepool Heroes 2025

The search is officially on to find and celebrate the most inspiring individuals in our community as the highly anticipated Hartlepool Heroes awards return for 2026.

Following a spectacular official launch at The PFC Trust’s annual Green & Blue Ball, the town is once again being invited to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond.

Nominations officially opened on Monday, April 20, kicking off a community-wide effort to honour the people who make Hartlepool a better place to live, work and thrive.

Building on the incredible success of previous years, the 2026 awards aim to highlight the extraordinary dedication of local people.

From dedicated young carers to tireless charity fundraisers, the legacy of former champions paves the way for a new wave of heroes to step into the spotlight and receive the recognition they deserve.

Organised by The PFC Trust in proud partnership with Hartlepool Carers and Hartlepool Borough Council, this year’s ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 20.

Due to ongoing works and the temporary closure of the Borough Hall, the 2026 event will be hosted at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

Popular BBC Tees presenter Gary Philipson will lead the evening's celebrations, bringing his energy to the stage as the host for the night.

Frances Connolly, founder of The PFC Trust, said: "Every year, we are incredibly humbled by the stories of selflessness and dedication that emerge through these nominations.

“Hartlepool is a town built on immense community spirit, and the Hartlepool Heroes awards are our way of saying a massive thank you to those who consistently put others first.

“We cannot wait to read this year’s entries and celebrate the remarkable people who are the beating heart of our town."

This year, the awards have been streamlined into ten categories to focus on a meaningful celebration of community impact.

Following the close of nominations on May 22, a dedicated judging panel will convene in early June to finalise the shortlists.

The generous sponsor for each category will then have the honour of selecting the winner, with the exception of the highly coveted People’s Choice Award, which will be decided entirely by a public vote.

Organisers are actively seeking event and category sponsors to help make the evening a resounding success.

Kelly Brooks, operations manager at The PFC Trust, said: “We need local businesses to join us, giving them valuable visibility that delivers incredible recognition to the volunteers and those that make a difference across the town.”

Nominations open on April 20, 2026. You can submit your entries online via The PFC Trust website at www.thepfctrust.org/hartlepoolheroes. Alternatively, a nomination form will be available to cut out and complete in Hartlepool Life.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or a specific award category should contact Kelly Brooks on 07394 638009 or email events@thepfctrust.org.

The 2026 Hartlepool Heroes Categories:

Creativity in the Community Award

Community Impact Award

Emergency Services Hero

Green Community Champion

Teacher of the Year

Youth Worker of the Year

Young Carer of the Year

Carer of the Year

Lifetime Achievement