Young people across Somerset are set to be celebrated this spring as nominations open for the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards (PoSYA), taking place on Thursday, 21 May at The McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater.
The awards shine a light on children and young adults who have made their families, schools, clubs and communities proud – whether through creativity, courage, community spirit or outstanding personal achievement. From the arts, sport and education to caring roles, volunteering and championing mental health, the awards recognise the many ways young people are making a difference across the county.
To be eligible, nominees must be under 21 on the date of nomination. Anyone can nominate – including parents, teachers, youth workers, employers, neighbours or friends – using the online nomination form.
Award categories
This year’s categories include:
- Art & Culture Award – celebrating outstanding contributions in the arts or cultural activities
- Care Award – recognising young carers whose compassion and commitment support those they look after
- Championing Positive Mental Health Award – for young people actively promoting mental wellbeing for themselves and others
- Charity / Volunteer Hero – honouring young individuals or groups who give their time to help others
- Community Hero – for young people whose actions have made a real impact in their local community
- Outstanding Courage Award – recognising remarkable bravery in the face of challenge
- Sandy Padgett Award – in memory of Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett, celebrating commitment, service and exceptional achievement
- Sporting Achievement Award – for exceptional talent, dedication and success in sport
- Peter Renshaw Outstanding Educational Achiever Award – for a young person who has achieved something remarkable in education
- Young Person of the Year Award – the overall accolade for an extraordinary young person whose achievements and impact set them apart.
How to nominate
Nominations can be submitted online and should clearly explain why the young person deserves recognition, with examples and detail to help the judges understand their story and impact.
To enter:
- Choose your young hero
- Complete the online nomination form in the relevant category
- Submit your nomination by Sunday 15 March.
Full details of each category and the nomination form can be found at:
https://www.ucscollegegroup.ac.uk/news-insights/events/pride-of-somerset-youth-awards-2026/#about
Awards evening
The celebration evening at The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater will include live performances, food, drink and the chance to hear inspiring stories from finalists, their families and supporters. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted in advance with full details of the event.
The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards are delivered by Passion for Somerset CIC, Taunton Round Table and UCS College Group, with support from category sponsors Avon & Somerset Police, Bounce Forward, Morledge & Co., PROMISEworks, The Rotary Club of Taunton, School in a Bag, Somerset Larder, Thrive and Young Somerset.
Organisers are encouraging schools, colleges, youth groups, clubs, businesses and community organisations across Somerset to put forward the inspiring young people they know and help give them the recognition they deserve.
