Well, firstly I want to say a massive sorry for the length of time that has passed since our last blog. For those of you that follow us on our socials, you will know that it has been a rather busy time and actually fining the time and energy to put a blog together has been impossible. UNTIL NOW…WOO HOO!!
Between getting ready for Archie’s school tribunal, supporting Herbie with his PDA, being a mum to our other beautiful kids who have been sitting SATS and taking A Levels whilst trying to remain sane has been a challenge to say the very least. But, we did it. A restful, sunny half term where we literally spent the entire time in our PJ’s or lolloping in the garden is just what we all needed.
Yesterday I had a truly exhilarating start to the school term because I had the privilege of spending the day at the BBC studios in Southampton. Over the years, Archie and I have been lucky enough to be on the telly (BBC news) a couple of times and have featured on BBC radio Solent lots, but this was an altogether different task. I have been asked to be a round one judge for this years Make a difference awards and seeing it was only a couple of years ago that this award helped our advocacy journey so much, it was my honor!
The BBC Make a Difference Awards are an annual initiative that celebrates individuals and groups across the UK who have made significant positive impacts in their communities. Launched in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards aim to recognise those who go above and beyond to help others, often without seeking recognition. In 2025, the awards expanded to include all parts of the UK, with nominations open in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Myself, Helena ( Yubuntu), Stuart (repair cafe) and Helen( BBC ) ( first round judges) had to whittle down the hundreds of nominations into just a shortlist of a final four per category and let me tell you, it was tough. Obviously we cant disclose any of the finalists but we can talk about the categories themselves.
Award Categories
The Volunteer Award: For individuals who make a notable difference by giving their time voluntarily to help others. This was the category Archie and I were selected for in 2023
The Young Hero Award: Recognizes someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
The Great Neighbour Award: For individuals who help make their neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either regularly or through a single act of kindness.
The Active Award: For individuals or groups who have used physical activity or sport to improve the lives of those in their community.
The Animal Award: Recognizes either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives or individuals/groups who improve the welfare of animals.
The Green Award: For individuals or groups who improve or conserve their local environment.
The Fundraiser Award: For individuals or groups who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
The Community Group Award: For groups who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.
The nominations for the 2025 awards opened on 24 February and closed on 31 March. To nominate someone, individuals had to be UK residents aged 18 or over and not affiliated with the BBC or its partners. Nominees needed to have made a difference in their community, with activities going beyond their paid work unless exceptional circumstances applied.
Winners will be announced at ceremonies hosted by BBC local and national radio stations across the UK in September. These events aim to shine a light on unsung heroes and celebrate their contributions to their communities. Thankfully as a judge I get to attend the awards without any of the pressure 🙂
For more information, visit the BBC Make a Difference Awards page.
As always, Archie and I are so grateful for the opportunities that BBC radio Solent and BBC south today have afforded us and so its truly awesome to be able to give a little something back.
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