A celebration of community heroes is returning to Hampshire as a showcase of social impact.
The Hampshire Changemaker Awards 2026 aim to honour the individuals, organisations and businesses driving positive change across the county.
Created by Action Hampshire, the awards recognise achievements in areas including health inequality, innovation, environmental sustainability, youth leadership, wellbeing initiatives and inclusive practices.
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Nicky Judd, CEO of Action Hampshire, said: "We are thrilled that our Changemakers awards will once again celebrate the incredible work being achieved by the voluntary sector in Hampshire.
"We are in awe of the dedication, commitment and resilience of organisations and individuals in the county and by hosting these awards we hope to shine a light on their impact and inspire others to keep being Changemakers where they are."
The awards are organised in partnership with Hampshire County Council, Southern Daily Echo, Hampshire Chronicle, Basingstoke Gazette, Andover Advertiser, and the Isle of Wight County Press.
Now in its second year, the event has attracted support from local, national and international organisations.
The 2026 sponsors include Palladium Group - a Southampton-based global professional services organisation, Portsmouth digital marketing agency Delivered Social, and rural housing specialists Hastoe.
Clare Canning, the 2025 Changemaker of the Year, said the award was a powerful source of encouragement.
Ms Canning, who represented Broadleaf - a family hub supporting home-educated children - said: "It was such an enormous honour to win the award this year (2025), and it has really helped carry us all through when things have been tough, knowing that the work we put in has been recognised.
"Since receiving the 2025 Changemakers Award, Broadleaf has continued to grow as a safe, vibrant and inclusive space for children, young people and families across Hampshire."
Following a flood of nominations, the 2026 award ceremony, taking place in Winchester on Thursday, January 29, has already reached capacity.
The event will follow the charity’s annual general meeting.
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