The window for putting forward exceptional members of the community for a prestigious local awards programme is rapidly narrowing.

Entries for the South Wales Community Awards 2026, staged by the South Wales Argus with CS Connected as principal supporter, must be submitted by August 16.

The honours acknowledge people, teams, and bodies creating beneficial change throughout South Wales.

Regional editor Gavin Thompson commented that the scheme aims to highlight those who seldom pursue acknowledgement themselves yet whose efforts fundamentally transform neighbourhoods.

The celebratory event is scheduled for October 8, uniting contenders from across the area for an evening of festivities.

Those coordinating the initiative are particularly eager to receive entries across categories such as Young Person of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Volunteer or Fundraiser of the Year, and STEM Project of the Year.

The Young Person of the Year prize acknowledges young people who have made an exceptional difference to their neighbourhood, educational establishment, or charitable body, and who have positively influenced others.

The Lifetime Achievement prize respects individuals who have devoted considerable years—frequently several decades—to bettering local life through voluntary work, advocacy, charitable activities, or entrepreneurial guidance.

Volunteer or Fundraiser of the Year praises those who dedicate their time and commitment to worthy causes, whether through charitable efforts, community leadership, or gathering significant sums for organisations requiring assistance.

The STEM Project of the Year classification showcases accomplishments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and welcomes submissions featuring pupils from primary, secondary, or university levels.

Assessors will be searching for initiatives that have effectively motivated young people to acquire fresh abilities and investigate professions in science and technology.

The coordinators suggest the awards present a significant chance for communities to demonstrate gratitude.

They add that the acknowledgement can deliver a meaningful lift.

With the cutoff imminent, locals are being encouraged to forward nominations before the August 16 closure.

Coordinators indicate the moment has arrived to ensure that committed volunteers, motivating young people, established community leaders, and groundbreaking STEM initiatives obtain the appreciation they merit.