Consultant Editor of Good News Post Appears on BBC News
By Jill Dando News
A charity that helps scores of children with their mental health said winning an award was "emotional" as nominations open for this year.
Award is 'reminder people value the work we do' Dawn Carey
Judges from BBC Radio Somerset's Make a Difference Awards want to hear about people or organisations that are making life better for others.
Highbridge's In Charley's Memory, which was set up to create a lasting legacy for a boy who took his own life, won last year's community award.
Dawn Carey, CEO of charity, said: "It just showed the significance of the work we're doing. It is a reminder people do value the work we do."
The charity was launched 10 years ago in Highbridge, when Ms Carey's best friend lost her son to suicide.
"She set the charity up, originally just to raise awareness of children and their mental health," Ms Carey said.
"Fast forward 10 years and we now provide counselling, currently to more than 250 clients a week."
Last year, the charity took over the youth club in Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea.
"When we arrived at the youth club, there were 25 children registered. Now we have more than 90," Ms Carey said.
"Whenever we see a group of children on the street, there's that automatic assumption that they're trouble.
"But no, the reality is they just don't have anywhere safe to hang out."
She said when they found out they won last year's Make a Difference Award, Ms Carey was on holiday in Portugal with her son.
"Everyone in the restaurant I was in was cheering and clapping because I talk a lot so I'd already told everyone we were up for an award," Ms Carey said.
"I found out it was a client's parent who nominated us. Obviously, I cried."
To nominate go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see the full Terms and our Privacy Notice.
Nominations will close on Monday 31 March at 17:00 BST. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in September.
