Nine-year-old Elisa Briffitt “has been a brave soul for years”. She was diagnosed at three with a rare autoimmune condition; it’s meant frequent hospital trips to Oxford, London and Reading, said her nominator for Child of Courage, sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate.try.

“A true pillar of the Reading hospitality scene,” Jose Monteiro has spent the past 10 years not only excelling in his professional roles but also dedicating his personal time to building a stronger, more connected community within the industry.

Caversham Artisan and Farmers Market trading as The Artisan Uprising is “a cornerstone of the community and the driving force behind Caversham transformation into a thriving independent retail hub,” says its nominator of founder Jodie Bennett for Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Rabbits Vehicle Hire.

A global leader in sustainable engineering, environmental consulting and design, Stantec Reading’s staff have for two years been volunteering their time and energy to help care for and maintain Forbury Gardens, one of Reading’s most cherished green spaces.

With a focus on tackling female genital mutilation (FGM), empowering communities and individuals to create safe healthy productive environments and nurture relationships, Utulivu Women’s Group has been nominated for Charity of the Year, sponsored by Reading Today.

Their incredible commitment to and support for Royal Berks Charity over the past five years, has led to Cisco Systems being nominated for the Business in Action award, sponsored by Boyes Turner.

A community-rooted organisation Time to Heal Directory Services is dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of children, young people and families across Reading.

Whitley Carnival has sparked a cultural renaissance in Reading, said its nominator for the Cultural Contribution award sponsored by M&G Real Estate.

The power house behind Whitley Carnival, Helen Bligh has shown extraordinary courage, kindness and community devotion in the face of personal hardship, said her nominator for Local Hero, sponsored by Green Park.

Sanctuary Strikers is more than just a football team – it is a lifeline for individuals who have fled hardship and are seeking safety, belonging, and a new start, said their nominator for Volunteer/s of the Year.

For over four decades, Mandy Kesel has been an inspirational force at St Joseph’s College. As Director of the Arts and Head of Music, she has devoted 43 years to transforming lives through music, said her nominator for The Inspiration Award sponsored by McDonald’s.

“Lovely, friendly, helpful and professional, nothing is too much trouble” for Cocoon Beauty, said their nominator for the Independent Retailer Award, sponsored by REDA and Reading BID.

Kevin Farrell of the restaurant Vegivores “works so hard (harder than anyone I know) to bring amazing delicious vegan food to Caversham and the surrounding area,“ said the nominator who put him forward for the Hospitality Award.

Caroline Gratrix and Liz Bradbury “are the heart and soul behind Walk Works, a community walking group that has brought people across Reading together in a simple, powerful way – through walking, connection and nature.”

An 11-year-old refugee whose family has been forced to move time and time again over decades, Saniie Osmanova has been nominated for Child of Courage, sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate.

Nursery teacher Jackie Rutland who works at Dingley’s Promise Reading, a nursery for children with special education needs and disabilities aged two to five, has been put forward for the Volunteer/s of the Year award sponsored by AB Walker.

A funeral administrator, Clare Curtis received warm words about her kindness, care, consideration and humour from nominators for the Employee of the Year award, sponsored by Reading Buses.

The Ebb & Flow team “is made up of 14 beautiful individuals, looking after residents, two beautiful buildings and ensuring Ebb & Flow is a contributor to their local neighbourhood by hosting charity events, showcasing local businesses and co-hosting epic community events such as Party on the Hill.”

A woman searching for focus after losing her brother found a second home at the Fox and Hounds in Tilehurst which has been nominated for the Great Place to Work award sponsored by Kingdom Rooms.

A “driving force in uniting people from different backgrounds, breaking down cultural barriers and fostering intercultural collaboration”.