Voluntary groups and individuals are being reminded that time is running out to submit entries for the 2018 High Sheriff’s Awards.

East Anglian Daily Times: High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert, at the Big Multicultural Festival in Ipswich. Picture: James AgerHigh Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert, at the Big Multicultural Festival in Ipswich. Picture: James Ager (Image: James Ager)

The annual awards aim to recognise the hard work of volunteers, charities and community groups from across the county who spare their own time and energy to help to make Suffolk a better place to live.

The awards are organised by the Suffolk Community Foundation in partnership with the High Sheriff’s Fund.

There are seven categories including a number of new awards for this year’s ceremony; Suffolk Inspiring Leader Award, Suffolk Young Volunteer of the Year Award, Suffolk Rebuilding Broken Lives Award, Suffolk Collaborative Partnership Award, Suffolk Heritage Award, Suffolk Inspiring Young People Award and the Suffolk Strengthen Your Community Award.

The Suffolk Rebuilding Broken Lives Award is one of the new categories to be added to this years’ awards ceremony.

It aims to recognise organisations who have helped to rebuild people’s lives after abuse, addiction or deprivation in their lives.

Another new category for this year is the Suffolk Strengthen Your Community Award which will reward those who have helped to tackle social isolation in their area and have helped to make their community a more inclusive and cohesive place.

Winners at the prestigious awards will receive a trophy and a cash contribution to their voluntary group.

High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert said: “This is a great opportunity to recognise all those wonderful people who give of their time & talent to make Suffolk the place it is.”

Nominations for this years’ entries were opened in November but are due to close in just over a week’s time on January 8.

The judging panel will then meet on January 17 to decide this years’ shortlist, with nominees being contacted at the end of the month.

The awards ceremony itself will take place on February 15 at Wherstead Park and is being supported by the East of England Co-op.

More information about each of the award categories as well as their criteria for and nomination forms can be found on the Suffolk Community Foundation website.