Time is running out to nominate those who deserve to be recognised and praised for their good deeds.

The Compassionate Community Awards – run by Maidstone Borough Council and the Heart of Kent Hospice and supported by the Kent Messenger – aim to celebrate the positive actions of those who have made a difference.

The community category is looking for a parish or large group that has come together to provide a service or project for others, who have tackled issues such as loneliness and social isolation, or who have created community involvement and cohesion for the benefit of all.

Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid will be a judge at the upcoming awards.

She was part of a community team, called Village Virus Volunteers, who won back in 2020 when the scheme was first established.

Members covered Coxheath, East Farleigh as well as other villages in the borough and were formed to check on the safety and welfare of people during the pandemic.

“I was absolutely overwhelmed by how quickly people came together and willing to offer help in a time of crisis,” Cllr Parfitt-Reid explained.

“We certainly weren’t expecting to get an award for that, you don’t do it for that reason.”

She added: “There’s so much negativity at the moment and so to be involved with something like this is a real privilege actually, it’s seeing the good that’s going on.

“I feel very lucky to be involved.”

Rachel Street, chief executive at the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, said: “Whether it is knocking on your neighbour’s door to make sure they are okay, or identifying those people in your community or street who might be a bit lonely and making an effort to make sure they have some contact with the outside world.

“Just those small things really make a huge difference to people’s lives.

“I’m a real one for welling up and crying, and I really had to gulp hard during last year’s ceremony because some of the stories were just so touching.”

Last year, Staplehurst Emergency Help Team and Community Hub, including its 90 volunteers, won the award.

They were praised for setting up a community hub, handing out food parcels and helping 500 vulnerable residents.

Entries are open and close at midnight on Wednesday, October 5. There are six awards up for grabs.

Other categories include compassion in a business or workplace; in a school or by a teacher; by a volunteer or a neighbour; or demonstrated by a care or residential home.

'Just those small things really make a huge difference to people’s lives...'

To nominate an individual, group or organisation, in no more than 250 words, send in some examples of how they have demonstrated compassion, along with pictures, if possible.

Or you can send a three-minute video or voice recording telling us how they have supported their community.

They must either live or work, or have a connection to the borough.

To find out more, and to nominate a group or individual click here.

The winners will be announced and awards presented on Tuesday, November 1, at Maidstone Town Hall.