The STAR Awards celebrate the people, teams and volunteers who make YMCA Fairthorne Group an exceptional place to work and an incredible charity to be part of.

Every nomination tells the story of someone who has made a difference. Your words help our judging panel understand not only what happened, but why it mattered.

The strongest nominations focus on impact. They explain how someone has gone above and beyond, the difference they’ve made, and why their contribution deserves to be recognised.

How to choose the right category and give your nominee the best chance of success

One of the questions we’ve been asked most since launching the STAR Awards is:

“How do I know which category to choose?”

The good news is, there isn’t always one “right” answer.

Many of our colleagues, volunteers and teams could fit more than one category because the difference they make extends across many aspects of YMCA Fairthorne Group. The categories simply help us recognise the many different ways people contribute to our charity.

The important thing isn’t choosing the perfect category.

It’s telling the story that best explains why your nominee deserves recognition.

Start with the story, not the award

Before looking at the categories, think about the moment that made you stop and think:

“They deserve to be recognised.”

What happened? Who did it help? What changed because of their actions?

The answers to those questions will often point you towards the right category.

 

Choosing the Right Category

❤️ The YMCA Way Award

This award recognises…

An individual, volunteer or team who consistently demonstrates the YMCA Way through their actions, attitude and behaviours.

This isn’t about one outstanding moment. It’s about someone who lives our values every single day.

Strong evidence includes…

  • Creating welcoming and inclusive environments.
  • Supporting colleagues without being asked.
  • Inspiring confidence in others.
  • Treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.
  • Consistently demonstrating the YMCA Way in everything they do.

Think about…

Who makes people feel welcome the moment they arrive?

Who naturally brings out the best in others?

Who consistently creates a positive environment for colleagues, volunteers or the people we support?

Ask yourself…

If somebody asked me what the YMCA Way looks like in action… whose name would I immediately say?

 

🌟 Rising Star Award

This award recognises…

A colleague who has joined YMCA Fairthorne Group relatively recently (within the last year) and has already demonstrated exceptional promise and impact.

Strong evidence includes…

  • Learning quickly.
  • Taking initiative.
  • Exceeding expectations.
  • Embracing development opportunities.
  • Becoming a valued member of the team in a short period of time.

Think about…

Who has surprised you with how quickly they’ve settled in?

Who already feels like they’ve been part of the team for years?

Who has shown real potential for the future?

Ask yourself…

Who has made the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time?

 

💡 Change Agent Award

This award recognises…

Someone who has improved the way we work, challenged the status quo or introduced positive change.

Strong evidence includes…

  • Solving a problem.
  • Introducing a new idea.
  • Improving a service.
  • Creating a better experience for colleagues or the people we support.
  • Inspiring others to think differently.

Think about…

Has somebody made life easier?

Have they spotted an opportunity others hadn’t seen?

Have they improved the way your team works?

Ask yourself…

What is better today because of this person’s actions?

 

🤝 Outstanding Team Award

This award recognises…

A team whose collaboration, commitment and collective effort has achieved exceptional outcomes.

Strong evidence includes…

  • Excellent teamwork.
  • Supporting one another through challenges.
  • Delivering outstanding outcomes.
  • Working across services.
  • Putting collective success ahead of individual recognition.

Think about…

Which team has overcome significant challenges together?

Who consistently works as one to achieve something bigger than themselves?

Ask yourself…

Could this achievement have happened without this team working together?

 

⭐ Unsung Hero Award

This award recognises…

Someone whose contribution often happens quietly behind the scenes but whose impact is felt by everyone around them.

Strong evidence includes…

  • Quiet reliability.
  • Consistently supporting others.
  • Solving problems before they become problems.
  • Going above and beyond without recognition.
  • Being the person people naturally rely upon.

Think about…

Who keeps everything running?

Who never asks for recognition?

Who would your team struggle without?

Ask yourself…

Who deserves to hear “thank you” more than anyone else?

 

❤️ Outstanding Volunteer Award

This award recognises…

A volunteer whose dedication and generosity have made a significant impact.

Strong evidence includes…

  • Outstanding commitment.
  • Willingness to help.
  • Positive relationships.
  • Making a difference simply because they care.

Think about…

Which volunteer consistently goes above and beyond?

Who gives their time expecting nothing in return?

Ask yourself…

Whose generosity of time and effort has made life better for others?

 

🌍 Community Impact Award

This award recognises…

An individual or team who has strengthened communities, created opportunities or helped others belong, contribute and thrive.

Strong evidence includes…

  • Building partnerships.
  • Bringing people together.
  • Supporting community initiatives.
  • Creating opportunities for others.
  • Making a lasting difference beyond their immediate role.

Think about…

Who has strengthened relationships within our communities?

Who has created opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise have existed?

Ask yourself…

Whose impact extends far beyond the walls of YMCA?

 

👏 Leadership Award

This award recognises…

Someone who leads with integrity, empowers others and helps people achieve their potential… and in some cases without a leadership title.

Strong evidence includes…

  • Supporting colleagues.
  • Coaching and developing others.
  • Leading through challenge.
  • Inspiring confidence.
  • Creating positive team cultures.

Think about…

Who has helped somebody succeed?

Who brings calm during difficult moments?

Who creates an environment where people want to do their best?

Ask yourself…

Who has made you better simply by leading you, a team, a committee or someone else?

 

Tell Their Story

Imagine you’re introducing your nominee to someone who has never met them.

Don’t worry about writing the perfect nomination.

Tell us what happened.

Tell us why it mattered.

Tell us the difference it made.

Stories create understanding, and understanding creates recognition.

 

Every Story Matters

Not every act of excellence makes the headlines. Sometimes it’s the quiet conversation that changed a young person’s confidence.

The colleague who stayed behind to support someone having a difficult day.

The volunteer who always arrives early without being asked.

The team who pulled together when it mattered most.

These moments define who we are as YMCA Fairthorne Group.

If someone has made a difference, tell their story. Because every nomination has the power to ensure that difference is recognised.