The Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) has launched its Community Awards to honour outstanding local volunteers who work for the common good and help make our area special. Nominations for awards are made by members of the public and assessed by a panel of independent judges.

Nominations are welcomed for outstanding service in all fields of activity. To make a nomination, please go to the BATCA website before 6th March: http://batca.org/ch-2019/ 

There will be a special category – ‘Heroes for Health’ – to recognise those who give exceptional service in the NHS or the wider community to support our health and well-being.

The awards will be presented at a celebration evening in Tooting on 21st March. It will be open to all, with food and entertainment. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, MP for Tooting, the Mayor of Wandsworth and others will present the awards. All are welcome to this event, which is free of charge. Advance booking through the BATCA website is essential – please book via http://batca.org/community-heros. The venue will be announced shortly.

This is the seventh round of awards since the BATCA was established in 2006 to help all Balham and Tooting’s communities to come together and build trust and friendship.

Award recipients come from all faiths and cultures. Examples of those honoured in the past are those supporting young people at risk in the Somali community, championing BME women’s and LGBT rights, doing relief work for Nepal earthquake victims, organising children’s Saturday football and being a friendly shopkeeper or cheerful milkman. 

How you can help

BATCA are holding a crowdfunding campaign to raise the £1,250 needed to meet their costs. If you can contribute, please visit their crowdfunding page: http://bit.ly/bdprss53 

BATCA are also looking for volunteers to help out on the night of 21st March. If you’re willing to help with decorations, lay tables, be a steward or fulfil another role, they’d love to hear from you. Contact secretary@batca.org for details.

For more information, email secretary@batca.org or call 07966 690308.
 

This article would not be possible without the support of our fantastic Community Partners. Click here to find out more.