New event will spotlight people and organisations making a difference
The inaugural HEY Charity Awards will take place in May 2026 – From the HEY Smile Foundation, from left, are Trish Dalby (Chair), Jamie Lewis (CEO), Clare Woodard (Deputy CEO), Sarah Cox (Business Manager), Tessa Wray (Head of Partnerships), Beth Moss (Events & Partnership Officer), Joe Courtney (Finance Officer) and Rich Edmondson(Image: heysmilefoundation.org)
Nominations are invited from local charities and community groups that provide lifelines for local people, for the inaugural HEY Charity Awards. This new event will shine a spotlight on the people and organisations often working unseen to change lives across Hull and East Yorkshire.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 21 at the MKM Stadium in Hull, bringing together charity leaders, volunteers, community champions, funders and business supporters for an evening of celebration, storytelling and recognition. Nominations are now open and will close on Sunday, March 1.
Organised by HEY Smile Foundation, the HEY Charity Awards are designed to champion those who often work under the radar, delivering vital services and support in communities right across the region. The event will recognise outstanding impact, innovation and dedication from grassroots charities, volunteer-led projects, community organisations and the businesses that support them.
Jamie Lewis, chief executive of the HEY Smile Foundation, said: “Local charities and community groups are the heartbeat of Hull and East Yorkshire – quietly transforming lives every single day. The HEY Charity Awards are our way of saying ‘thank you’ and making sure their contribution is properly recognised.
“We’re encouraging charities and community groups of all sizes to get involved, submit nominations and help us tell the positive stories our region deserves to hear.” Nominations are free to submit, and organisations are invited across the full range of categories, which recognise the breadth of work taking place in the region’s Voluntary and Community and Social Enterprise sector.
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Louise Babych, community impact partner at KCOM, said: “Hull and East Yorkshire’s charities play a crucial role in supporting people through life’s challenges and creating opportunities where they’re needed most. As a local business, we’re proud to stand alongside them and celebrate their dedication through the HEY Charity Awards and sponsorship of the Digital Inclusion Award.
“This event is a fantastic way to highlight the partnerships that keep our communities thriving – and to say a heartfelt thank you to those making a real difference every day.”
Every shortlisted nominee will be invited to attend the awards evening, where winners will be announced in front of peers, partners and supporters. Categories include:
- Environmental Award
- Digital Inclusion Award
- Leader of the Year
- Impact of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Funder of the Year
- Arts & Culture Award
- Children & Youth Award
- Education & Training Award
- Partnership of the Year
- Sports & Active Award
- Inclusion Award
- Health & Wellbeing Award
- Newcomer Award
- Special Recognition Award
The judges will be looking for clear examples of impact, creativity, collaboration and community benefit across all categories. Nominations can be made at heycharityawards.co.uk
The awards have been heavily subsidised to ensure charities can attend and celebrate their peers across the sector. Tickets will cost charities £10 and they include a welcome drink, three-course meal, the award ceremony and entertainment.