BBC Make a Difference

 BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Award for 2026.

Finalists:
• John Molloy from Havant
• Fareham Running Club
• The Artful Dodgers Boxing Academy in Portsmouth
• Antony Waghorn from Southampton

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The Animal Award: Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

Finalists:
• Alfred the Australian labradoodle from Christchurch
• Nelly from Netley Abbey
• Conor Thorne from Southampton
• Angela Etherington from Portsmouth

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The Community Group Award: Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.

Finalists:
• Breakout Youth in Southampton
• Parent Support Link in Southampton
• The 4Ps Project at Vectis Radio in Newport
• The Saturday Kids Zone in Portsmouth

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The Environmental Award: Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.

Finalists:
• Guerrilla Gardeners from Sandbanks in Poole
• Monday Morning Volunteers, part of Wimborne in Bloom 
• Victoria Road Gardeners in Woolston
• Bedhampton Volunteers 

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The Fundraiser Award: Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.

Finalists:
• Ann Blake from Fordingbridge
• Les Heyhoe from Gosport 
• Lucy Chillery-Watson is from Bournemouth
• Russell Matthews from Fareham

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The Great Neighbour Award: Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.

Finalists: 
• Nancy Weatherson from Milford on Sea
• Helen Pain from Southampton 
• Irene Ferguson from Bournemouth 
• Carole Taylor from Poole 

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The Volunteer Award: Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to the community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

Finalists:
• Charlotte Blanchard from Bournemouth 
• Dan Carter from Southampton 
• Dawn Haig-Thomas from the Isle of Wight 
• Billy Shannon from Portsmouth 

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The Young Hero Award: awarded to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

Finalists: 
• 15-year-old Jacob from Dorset
• 7-year-old Teddy from Southampton
• 10-year-old Frankie from Bournemouth
• 11-year-old Harrison from Christchurch

The winners will be announced at our BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards Ceremony in September.