Nominations are Now Open for the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards 2024
The Pride of Somerset Youth Awards (POSYA) honours the remarkable achievements of young
individuals throughout the county who have made their families, friends, or community proud
over the last twelve months.
Founded by the Rotary Club of Taunton, and now in their 17th year, the awards celebrate the
often unsung heroes among our Somerset young people. They are dedicated to recognising
inspirational efforts, accomplishments, unwavering determination and selfless actions.
2024 looks to be the biggest year yet for the awards, with several fantastic sponsors from
advocates of Somerset, including This is Gravity, Somerset County Gazette, and Bridgwater
& Taunton College.
Claire Pearce from Gravity said, “Gravity is immensely proud be the main sponsor of these
awards as well as the ‘Environmental’ award. We welcome the opportunity to recognise and
promote the inspirational young people across Somerset who go above and beyond for their
communities. We are also delighted to introduce our key partners at Bounce Forward and
Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust as sponsors of the ‘Championing Positive Mental
Health’ and ‘Community Hero’ awards, respectively. The Gravity work on environmental and
social governance is a team effort to contribute positively to the locality and help prepare and
inspire young people about the future ahead.”
Andy Berry, Principal and CEO of Bridgwater & Taunton College said “We are delighted to
sponsor these awards. Young people from across the County go above and beyond, often in
the face of adversity, achieving amazing things. This is an opportunity to reflect on and
recognise their achievements. I am looking forward to hearing their amazing stories and
celebrating their accomplishments.”
The award categories range from Charity / Volunteer Hero and the Young Person of the
Year Award to the Sandy Padgett and Sporting Achievement Awards. Each aim to spotlight
any young person in the county who has demonstrated outstanding generosity, courage,
talent, and dedication.
All nominations come from Somerset’s public, with the winners selected by a panel of judges
comprised of local business leaders, public figures, and dedicated champions of various
Somerset communities.
Among the past recipients are notable figures such as England cricketer Jos Buttler, British
gymnast Laura Gallagher, and Jamie Edwards, a hopeful for the Paris Paralympics in
wheelchair athletics.
An award ceremony will take place on Thursday 16 May 2024, 6.30pm-9pm at The McMillan
Theatre, Bridgwater. This will be a truly special evening filled with pride, joy, and above all,
the brilliant stories our award winners.
Do you know of a young individual who deserves recognition? You can nominate them today via our online portal here. All nominees must be under the age of 21. The last date to submit nominations is Friday 8 March 2024.
Award Catagories
Art & Culture Award | Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Taunton
Care Award | Sponsored by the Somerset County Gazette
Championing Positive Mental Health Award | Sponsored by Bounce Forward
Charity / Volunteer Hero | Sponsored by Young Somerset
Community Hero | Sponsored by Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust
Environmental Award | Sponsored by This is Gravity
Outstanding Courage Award | Sponsored by Somerset Larder
Sandy Padgett Award | Sponsored by Avon & Somerset Police
Sporting Achievement Award | Sponsored by Passion of Somerset
Young Person of Year Award | Sponsored by Bridgwater & Taunton College