Your Heroes, organised by the University of Staffordshire, has spent two decades shining a spotlight on local life across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire — celebrating children of courage, charity champions, community groups, education stars, NHS heroes, the armed forces, and police, fire and ambulance personnel who go above and beyond.
Now, as the campaign reaches this milestone 20th year, organisers are calling on the public once again to nominate the people and groups who deserve recognition, and to help champion the people and place that make Staffordshire what it is.
Professor Philip Plowden, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Staffordshire, said: “Reaching the 20th year of Your Heroes is a remarkable achievement, and a real testament to the strength of community spirit across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
“As a civic university, we are immensely proud to organise these awards and to play our part in recognising the people who quietly go above and beyond for those around them.
"Over two decades, Your Heroes has told more than 2,000 stories of remarkable individuals and groups, and we are determined to make this anniversary year the biggest and best yet. I would encourage everyone across our communities to take a moment to nominate someone whose contribution deserves to be celebrated.”
Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Professor Liz Barnes CBE, who served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Staffordshire before taking up her role representing His Majesty The King in the county, said: “Your Heroes has held a special place in my heart for many years, both during my time leading the University and now in my role as Lord-Lieutenant. It is one of those rare occasions where the whole county comes together to say thank you to the people who often go unnoticed: the carers, the volunteers, the community champions and so many others who make Staffordshire such a remarkable place to live.
"Twenty years of Your Heroes is a wonderful milestone, and I would urge people across the county to take the time to nominate someone they believe deserves recognition. These awards are, in every sense, the community’s own and long may that continue.”
The categories for 2026 are Child of Courage, Future Star, Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year, Community Group of the Year, NHS Hero, Inspiration in Education Award, Carer of the Year, Uniformed Hero, Civic Pride Award, and Sporting Icon.
Nominations can be submitted via the Your Heroes Awards website, with anyone wishing to put forward a local hero asked to include as much detail as possible to support the judging process.
Your Heroes is sponsored by Lucideon, Drayton Beaumont, Sempar, Woolcool, PREM Management, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, The Potteries Educational Trust, KMF and Shepherd PR, and organised by the University of Staffordshire. The campaign is also backed by businesses and organisations including Port Vale FC, Port Vale Foundation, Stoke City FC, Stoke City Foundation, World of Wedgwood, Ambassador Theatre Group, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, Cross Rhythms City Radio and Alton Towers.
Nominations close on September 30, ahead of a judging process and a milestone 20th anniversary awards dinner, which will take place at The Double Tree by Hilton at Festival Park on November 26.
To submit a nomination, visit www.yourheroesawards.co.uk/nominate