Stronger communities, stronger you.

The Make a Difference Awards are your chance to say thank you and recognise those who improve lives where we live. Nominations are now open and will close on Tuesday 31 March at 5pm. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each national and local BBC radio station. Make a Difference Award ceremonies will take place across the UK in September 2026. Make A Difference Awards

Mark has been a volunteer in the CATH Shop for 10 years, and has also been a Trustee member for the charity since 2016. He provides assistance and a welcoming smile to customers in the shop, and has a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector. When Mark joined CATH he had just moved back to Perth, having previously volunteered for St Theresa's Hospice in Darlington, on a large-scale refurbishment project. He is a firm believer in being part of the community, taking pride in making positive contributions and a real difference in people's lives. Mark highly recommends volunteering as a great way to start in the workforce and gain experience whilst being supported through learning. Thank you Mark for everything you do ,we are extremely grateful for your hard work and fantastic contribution you make to CATH. To find out more about volunteering with CATH you can look on their Be the Change profile: Churches Action for the Homeless | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross)

It's that time of year again, SCVO's Scottish Charity Awards are back for 2026! The awards are free to enter and there are multiple award categories to showcase your achievements, including Volunteer of the Year. Get your nominations in now! Who can enter? All types of Scottish voluntary organisations and groups, including registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people involved in those spaces can apply. Award categories: We have a range of nine award categories celebrating projects and campaigns, individuals, climate action, and more. Please note that applications are limited to one per organisation across all categories. We'd encourage you to contact your colleagues to ensure that only one application is submitted on behalf of your organisation. Closing date: Applications will close at 12 noon on Tuesday 17 March. Every finalist will also be gifted two complimentary tickets to attend our celebratory awards ceremony on Thursday 11 June at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow. Last year, Perth and Kinross boasted shortlisted charities such as Letham4all, Perthshire Women's Aid and YMCA Tayside. Who knows what could be achieved this year!