Charity 'absolutely floored' to win community award

The Mamas Bristol team picked up the BBC's community award in 2024

Volunteers at a charity said they were 'absolutely floored' to win a BBC community award last year for helping families manage child costs.

Kelsey Booy, CEO of Mamas Bristol, was encouraging members of the public to vote for someone special in the BBC Make a Difference Awards this year.

She said: "You're almost giving back to them by nominating them… it's not only the right thing but it's a great thing."

Nominations are now open for the awards and close on the 31 March at 17:00 BST.

Nominations for this year's awards are open in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Ms Booy said it was an amazing event to be a part of.

"We're a network supporting families to lower the cost of caring for their children, reducing household waste, costs, and try to create community spirit and cohesion.

"So to be given such an amazing award, was really special, she said.

"Just to hear you're nominated, regardless of whether you win the award or not, is so validating," she said.

"And to hear [our win] announced on a big screen… the smiles on our faces... just brilliant.

"It gives you such confidence and pride for the organisation that you're volunteering for and to hear the words of others, it's so wholesome, [and] heart-warming."

She asked anyone to take a couple of minutes to vote for an organisation that they believed in, or somebody who you can see does that bit more work.

"Because by taking the time to do that, you're validating them," she added.

To nominate go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference where you can also see the full Terms and our Privacy Notice.

Nominations will close on Monday 31 March at 17:00 BST.

The winners will be announced at the Make a Difference Awards ceremonies for each of our Local BBC Radio stations in September.