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Nominate your community heroes
North Ayrshire Council is inviting local communities to shine a spotlight on the dedication, passion and inspiration of local community heroes.
Coordinated by the council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) service, the team is gearing up for North Ayrshire's annual CLD Awards.
Set to be held at Ardrossan Civic Centre in March 2027, the celebration is a chance to mark the remarkable contribution that community volunteers and learners make day in and day out, across North Ayrshire’s six localities.
Online nominations can be made from today, Monday 26 October to allow community members to shine a spotlight on the inspiring individuals they want to celebrate! Nominate now via the online CLD Awards nomination form.
But hurry! The nomination deadline is midnight on Sunday 22 November 2026!
Local libraries and council staff in local community centres can also help nominees to fill in the forms online, or if you would prefer a paper copy, email: info@northayrshire.community
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands shares: “North Ayrshire Council is delighted to once again be connecting with communities to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of local volunteers and learners who give up their own time selflessly, freely and are the lifeblood of our communities. With six categories overall, the CLD Awards are all about giving volunteers the recognition they truly deserve."
Quote: As a council we are committed via our Community Learning and Development service to supporting volunteers and learners who want to make life easier and remove barriers for residents. We will continue to champion community groups and individuals, putting them front and centre in our decision-making to build stronger, happier and more resilient communities. The opening of the nomination period marks the second time that the CLD Awards has been hosted and its aim is to connect volunteers and learners so that together we can celebrate their legacy and invaluable contributions. This is why it is so important to give our community heroes the opportunity to step into the spotlight, therefore we would warmly encourage North Ayrshire residents to take a moment to nominate who they would like to champion in their own community.
Quote from: Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands
The nomination categories are as follows:
- the Shirley Morgan Award for Capacity Building – shining a spotlight on people who are helping others to overcome barriers, build confidence or develop new skills. It’s all about community impact, empowerment and inspiration, with fairness, inclusion and respect at its heart
- the Adult Learning Achievement Award – this category is all about commitment to adult learning and personal development. It is for individuals who are increasing participation, improving wellbeing and removing barriers by helping others to fully engage in adult learning
- the CLD Special Recognition Award – this award is for people who give their time, skills and energy to support others, strengthen communities and improve lives – often over many years and with little expectation of recognition
- the Alex Pettigrew Award for Youth Work – this category is all about individuals who have positively contributed to their community through youth work, showing resilience, determination and passion for helping others
- the Youth Achievement Award – this award is about recognising young people who have an unwavering commitment to youth voice, achievement, inclusion and personal growth. It’s about shining a spotlight on young people who are making a difference in their communities
The event forms part of the Community Learning and Development Strategic Plan to strengthen and empower communities. Stay tuned to North Ayrshire Virtual Community Centre for more news on the impact community groups, individuals and CLD are making across our six localities.
Finally, the CLD Awards include two categories in memory of two very special people, Shirley Morgan and Alex Pettigrew.
Shirley Morgan was a passionate and committed Community Worker who lived and worked in North Ayrshire. She was active in making a difference and improving communities until her death in 2022. Throughout her life she inspired and encouraged others to do same.
The Alex Pettigrew Award, is dedicated to an inspiring Youth and Community Worker who lived and worked in Ayrshire all his life and this was previously awarded to the North Coast Youth Forum for their efforts to engage with young people and help them to overcome barriers.
Published: 26 October 2026