Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Awards, an initiative designed to recognise individuals and groups who help their neighbours prepare for emergencies.
The awards will be presented on Wednesday 21 October 2026 during a dedicated Community Resilience Day at Millfield School in Street. The partnership behind the event, which includes Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, and the Somerset Rivers Authority, is seeking entries that highlight exceptional efforts in local emergency planning and response.
For 2026, the awards carry the theme “Youth in Resilience,” specifically focusing on the role younger generations play in helping communities withstand and recover from incidents such as flooding, extreme weather, or other local emergencies.
Award categories and eligibility
There are two primary categories for the 2026 awards:
- Individual Award: For significant personal contributions to community safety and emergency preparedness.
- Group Award: For community organisations, parish councils, or volunteer groups that have worked together to improve local resilience.
Winners in both categories will receive public recognition for their work alongside vouchers to be used for community activities. Organisers have encouraged residents across the county to submit their entries ahead of the October ceremony.
Community Resilience Day details
The awards presentation forms part of the wider Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day on 21 October. The event is free to attend and is expected to feature workshops, equipment demonstrations, and advice from emergency services and local authorities.
The Somerset Prepared partnership is a multi-agency body that also includes Avon & Somerset Police, the British Red Cross, and Rotary International. Its goal is to provide advice, support, and small grants to help local areas develop their own emergency plans.
Members of the public who wish to attend the event or witness the awards ceremony are required to register in advance via Eventbrite. The venue, Millfield School, is located in Street, Somerset, and will serve as the hub for the day’s practical demonstrations and networking sessions for community volunteers.
