Whether they picked up shopping for vulnerable people, organised community events or became a person to rely on during the pandemic, the Compassionate Community Awards 2021 are looking for a selfless neighbour or volunteer to reward.

The scheme is a collaboration by the Heart of Kent Hospice and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), supported by the KM, which aims to thank those who have gone above and beyond to help others.

It is looking for examples over the past year, but nominations don’t have to be linked to the pandemic, they can be for any act of kindness that has improved the lives of others.

For example, some neighbours and volunteers rallied together to support HGV drivers when they became stuck on the M20 over Christmas when the borders closed.

Rachel Street, Interim chief executive at Heart of Kent Hospice said: "We still know that there are people out there who are very isolated and there are people who go out of their way to help those individuals.

"At the hospice we run the compassionate neighbour scheme where we match people who are isolated, but there are people in the community who are doing that themselves but they don't get the recognition or support and I think it's worth thanking them."

Alison Broom, chief executive at MBC said: "The stories we heard last time were really inspiring. People had just taken the initiative and wanted to help others.

"When you hear about compassionate people it gives a balance to everything else you’re hearing about with negative experience and the more we champion the good news, then maybe it will inspire others to do the same thing."

Reshmi Kalam, was last year's winner of this category.

Her aim was to help anyone, regardless of what the task was.

She raised money to buy and donate food to hospital workers, bought fabrics so groups could make scrubs for NHS workers, and also made Easter treats for anyone who asked - including residential homes.

Entries are now open and close at 5pm on August 27.

To nominate a business, in no more than 250 words in writing, video or voice recording, send in some examples of how it has demonstrated compassion.

Pictures can also be attached.

The nominations will be shortlisted by judges in September. The winners will be announced on October 21.

To find out more, click here

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