Acis Group has launched its Inspiring Communities Awards to celebrate individuals who make a tangible difference in neighborhoods across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. The scheme recognizes everyday champions whose actions—from small acts of kindness to major community projects—transform local areas. It also honors those who have overcome personal challenges to achieve success, giving these quiet triumphs the recognition they deserve.
Awards categories and focus
The Inspiring Communities Awards features nine categories: Environmental champion, Community champion, Inspiration award, Volunteer award, Acts of kindness award, Learner award, Living well award, New beginnings award, and Acis impact award. Each category targets a specific type of contribution, such as improving green spaces, bringing people together, showing courage, giving time freely, demonstrating commitment to learning, improving health, overcoming adversity, or making an exceptional lasting impact.
Acis Group, an innovative charity supporting people through housing, education, and skills services across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, North Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire, organizes the awards. The initiative aims to shine a light on inspiring local figures who often go unnoticed.
Chief executive urges nominations
Greg Bacon, chief executive of Acis Group, said: “We’re thrilled to recognise the people that make our communities a better place to live, whether that’s within our housing, education, employability, wellbeing or training services.” He added: “These awards are all about celebrating the people who go above and beyond to improve the places they live or who achieve great things in the face of adversity.”
Bacon encouraged the public to get involved: “If you know someone who has inspired, supported or strengthened the communities we serve, please nominate them and help us celebrate their incredible work.”
Event details and deadline
Shortlisted nominees will be invited to a special awards event at the Savoy Cinema in Gainsborough on October 14. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday, September 14, 2026. Nominations can be submitted via the Acis Group website.
The awards underscore the importance of recognizing grassroots contributions that often go unnoticed, providing a platform for community heroes to receive the appreciation they deserve. By highlighting these stories, Acis Group hopes to inspire others to take action in their own neighborhoods, fostering a culture of recognition and support across the region.
