Bristol Young Heroes Awards

Nominations are now open for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards
Make a nomination

12

Year anniversary
Watched by

9000

online

300

people in attendance

About the Awards

The awards aim to shine a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or achieved something extraordinary.

The awards culminate in a special gala awards night for the young people and their family and friends to enjoy

Nominate

NOMINATE A YOUNG HERO
NOMINATE FOR THE HIGH SHERIFF AWARD
NOMINATE FOR THE TEAM OF HEROES AWARD

Bristol Young Heroes awards is an annual event, so please keep an eye out for when nominations open again. A good way to keep up to date is by signing up to our newsletter below.

Key Dates

Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2026

Nominations open – 1st December 2025

 Nominations close – 15th February 2026

Nominee’s reception – May 2026 – City Hall

Getting to know you event – June 2026

Awards night – July 2026

Purposeful Futures 2026 (every other Saturday)

Categories

Action Hero A young person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to display an act of courage and bravery or someone who has overcome adversity through illness or disability.
Caring Hero A young person who is looking after someone who is ill may this be a family member/friend/neighbour or helping them by looking after the other members of their family while they can’t.
Community Hero The Community Hero is a young person who has made a significant and positive impact within their local community. This person demonstrates exceptional kindness, leadership, and dedication to helping others, often going above and beyond to make a difference. Whether through creating meaningful projects, or supporting those in need.
Creative Hero A young person who has exceeded expectations, accomplished something great or inspired others through their creativity. This can include music, dance, film, theatre, arts etc
Environmental & Sustainability Hero A young person who is contributing to or co-ordinating activity into having a positive impact to the environment, Locally, City Wide or Nationally.
Fundraising Hero A young person who, through hard work and dedication has undertaken an outstanding challenge to raise money and make a noticeable difference for communities, charities, and other organisations.
Learning Hero A young person who has exceeded expectations and achieved success in education, especially by overcoming adversity or challenging circumstances.
Sporting Hero A young person who has exceeded expectations and triumphed in sport, especially by over coming adversity or challenging circumstances.
Super Hero A young person who has contributed to the community by volunteering their time freely, showing their commitment to a cause and a willingness to go above and beyond to inspire and help others.
High Sheriffs Award No age limit, Someone who has shown considerable dedication to the service of Young people.
Team Award This is a group or organisation which has shown exceptional team skills and dedication to benefit young people in Bristol

A young person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to display an act of courage and bravery or someone who has overcome adversity through illness or disability.

A young person who is looking after someone who is ill may this be a family member/friend/neighbour or helping them by looking after the other members of their family while they can’t.

The Community Hero is a young person who has made a significant and positive impact within their local community. This person demonstrates exceptional kindness, leadership, and dedication to helping others, often going above and beyond to make a difference. Whether through creating meaningful projects, or supporting those in need.

A young person who has exceeded expectations, accomplished something great or inspired others through their creativity. This can include music, dance, film, theatre, arts etc

A young person who is contributing to or co-ordinating activity designed to have a positive impact on the environment, Locally, city wide or nationally. This may be done through reducing waste, restoring, and improving conservation for wildlife as well educating others on what they can do to protect the environment.

A young person who, through hard work and dedication has undertaken an outstanding challenge to raise money and make a noticeable difference for local communities, charities, and other organisations.

A young person who has exceeded expectations and achieved success, made progress, or is continually developing in their education, especially by overcoming adversity or challenging circumstances.

A young person who has exceeded expectation and triumphed in sport, especially by overcoming adversity or challenging circumstances. They may have performed beyond their years, achieved noticeable success or performed above and beyond expectations, they may have overcome significant obstacles to take part in sport or they may have inspired others with their spirit and dedication.

A young person who has contributed to the community by volunteering their time freely, showing their commitment to a cause and a willingness to go above and beyond to inspire and help others. This could be volunteering with youth groups, community groups, sports groups etc

No age limit, someone who has shown considerable dedication to the service or young people.

This is a group or organisation which has shown exceptional team skills and dedication to benefiting young people in Bristol.

Celebrating real people, doing great things in our Community

Our Impact

12

Years of the awards

11

Award categories

800

Young people nominated

12

Overall Heroes

11

Gala events and 1 virtual

45

Corporate partners

Star Icon Recognised as Bristol’s premiere young peoples’ award

88%

Of nominees reported they are more aware of a bigger range of career opportunities than before their involvement in BYHA

88%

Of nominees reported they are more confident about their career prospects than before their involvement with BYHA

How it works

1. Nominations

2. Judging Rounds

3. Finalists are announced

4. Filming & Headshots

Catherine speaks with BYHA Sponsors

5. Nominees Reception

6. Getting to know you Event

7. Awards night

8. Purposeful Futures

Hear what the Bristol Young Heroes Awards meant to past nominees

Play

Purposeful Futures

They will learn about goal setting, values & purpose and be introduced to mentors to help them with the next stage of their journey.

Developing young people is crucial for their personal growth, well-being, and future success.

The program – is aimed at nominees and winners of the Bristol Young Heroes Awards and seeks to take them on a journey of self-discovery, increased resilience/confidence, and genuine opportunity. 

Purposeful futures runs from September through to March, with 8 key stages.

 

Photography by Dougie Allward/Made for Impact

Stage 1 – Getting to know you event
Stage 2 – Self – Discovery Workshops
Stage 3 – Finding your voice workshop
Stage 4 – Young people index
Stage 5 – Graduation
Stage 6 – Opportunities for other events
Stage 7 – Speed networking with mentors
Stage 8 – Mentee and Mentor Matches

Photography by Dougie Allward/Made for Impact

Feedback from past participants:

97% say they feel more ambitious about their career ideas

98% say they feel more confident about their futures

100% said they feel they can now make better life choices

Photography by Dougie Allward/Made for Impact

92% said they made new friends on the programme

90% felt more confident about speaking to adults in the business world

“After attending Purposeful Pathways I have felt so much more happier and more confident and comfortable being myself”

Investors and partners

Bristol Young Heroes Awards are a success thanks to the support afforded by our business partners, many of whom have supported the awards for nearly a decade. 

How our sponsors provide opportunities for our heroes

Want to get involved?

Contact us for sponsorship package details

Get in touch

Being nominated for a Bristol Young Heroes Award showed me that the things I do mean a lot to other people and that I can (and do) make a difference despite my age. It also made me feel deeply appreciated which has been instrumental in boosting my self-confidence.

It was a pleasure to meet the sponsors of the event; thanks to them, I had the opportunity to complete my dream work experience placement, have a wonderful day out at Harry Potter World and attend many helpful seminars and workshops throughout the city. The experience has also given me the confidence to join the Bristol City Youth Council where I am part of a group. Making a big difference!

Since being a Young Hero I’ve featured on BBC Radio Bristol and will be supporting next year’s awards ceremony.

Catherine Rowe

Get Involved

Join us online

                                                                                                                                                                       

Gallery

Photography by Made for Impact

FAQs

Anyone can nominate a young person for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards, including self-nominations.

There are 9 Award categories that anyone living in a BS Postcode and aged between 11-19 can be nominated for. In addition, there is a Team of Heroes Award, for a team that has supported our young people in Bristol. As well as the high sheriff’s Award for an individual that has shown considerable dedication to the service of Young People

Bristol Young Hero Awards 2020 Nominees

No! If you’ve got a young person in mind then it should only take you 10 minutes to make your nomination.

Our panel of judges will review all nominations and shortlist 3 nominees for each of the categories

Yes! Aside from an invitation to the Awards night (with 2 guests), successful nominees will get access to services like suit hire, hair styling, and a free shopping voucher to get ready for the big night

It’s best to ask former nominees, but they’ve told us it’s life-changing!

Take one former winner in 2019 who is now on the Youth Council for Bristol City Council and obtained work experience with GKN Aerospace!

Watch previous nominees speak about being nominated

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