Ashford Applause launched

Do you know someone who has made a substantial contribution to your community? A person who has enriched the lives of others, or has done something remarkable to help people during this challenging time?

We want to recognise and illustrate the wonderful contribution people are making to the community during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Which is why Ashford Borough Council and Loveashford are launching the Ashford Applause.

These times bring sadness to our community and our deepest condolences go out to those who have suffered loss. We want to celebrate and recognise our community following the collective sadness we have all experienced, of lives lost and moments missed. An Ashford Applause shows our community champions how valued they are and shines a spotlight on those special people who make a positive difference to our lives when we need it most.

This is your opportunity to honour a local community champion currently going above and beyond, and give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for an Ashford Applause.

The nominations are open to all individuals, whether it’s a dedicated key worker on the frontline, a selfless volunteer delivering food parcels or an outstanding neighbour collecting shopping, prescriptions or cooking meals for others in their area.

Each week over the next 10 weeks, a community champion will be selected at random from the list of entries received and their story showcased on Loveashford and Ashford Borough Council’s websites and social media channels, praising and recognising their hard work within the community.

Those receiving an Ashford Applause will also:

• Be given a personalised digital portrait, hand drawn by a local artist
• Have their story published on Ashford Borough Council’s website and social media channels
• Get a full feature on Loveashford’s website and social media channels

Your community champion will be announced on Ashford Borough Council and Loveashford’s Facebook pages every Thursday to tie in with the national Clap for Carers campaign – providing an opportunity to give them a big Ashford Applause at the same time!

So, if you know someone who deserves to be praised for their work, nominate them by visiting the Ashford Borough Council website and completing the short application form. As part of the application process, nominators will be asked to upload a photograph of the person they are nominating.

Applications will also be accepted by letter, simply post your nomination to Loveashford Team, Economic Development, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, TN23 1PL.

The campaign launches today, Friday May 22 and will close on Monday 3 August.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of the Council, said: “Community spirit in Ashford has never been stronger. To see and hear of so many members of our borough going the extra mile to selflessly support and care for others defines the civic pride that underpins everything we do. These are difficult and unprecedented times, and a great sadness is felt by many affected by this pandemic, but these community champions have become the heartbeat of our community and we are honoured to recognise their acts of tremendous selflessness.”