WHEN Julie Downie picked up a Community Heroes award for her work with 108 Mealbank in Carlisle last year she said she was "gobsmacked".

108 Mealbank is a scheme that runs once a week - on a Monday night - from a room at 108 Botchergate, which is part of the Hebron Evangelical Church.

The scheme, which is run entirely by volunteers, provides a meal to those in need.

Julie said: "We won best community project which was just amazing. We were surprised to be nominated so to win was just wonderful. I was gobsmacked.

"Winning the award has made people more aware of the service we provide.

"We do what we do. People are referred to us from various agencies - the hostels, foodbank, law centre, citizen's advice and others.

"We started out by trying to give something back to the community. When you come together you really can make a difference. We try to help some of the lost community - those that are forgotten."

Each week 30 people receive a meal. The meals are served in two rooms.

Julie said: "We have a steady team of volunteers and we've recently had a few who are doing their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

"One girl, who is about 14 or 15, is doing an eight week placement with us and learning a new skill as part of the DofE awards scheme. She has to make a different dessert each week.

"It shows the youngsters another side to life."

Julie is urging everyone to nominate someone in this year's awards.

She said: "My advice would be definitely go ahead and do it. It is so nice for people to be recognised for what they do. It is so nice to get some recognition and be appreciated for what you do.

"It gives you encouragement to carry on."

Now, we need your help to ensure those who selflessly and tirelessly do so much to help others can receive a special thank-you.

Their actions might be life-changing - or even life-saving - or they could be the vital cog that keeps your community going.

Perhaps they are a neighbour who always goes the extra mile, or a brave man, woman or child who has dealt with adversity and put it aside to help others.

We all have our own heroes but this is the chance to share them with the world - and let them know just how special they really are.

Once again, the awards will be presented during a special celebration at Carlisle Racecourse.

This year’s event will take place on Thursday, July 4.

“To help us ensure that your hero gets the recognition they deserve, we need you to nominate them and tell us a little about why they’re heroic to you,” said Chris Story, editor of The Cumberland News.

“Only by you speaking up can we show them how valued they really are.”

The Community Heroes Awards - launched in 2015 - have shone a light on some of the most inspirational people in Cumbria in recent years.

Previous events have seen judges and audiences humbled by the actions of those nominated.

Our 2019 awards categories are:

  • Carer of the year
  • Good neighbour
  • Good friend
  • Young achiever of the year
  • Sporting hero
  • Best community project
  • Unsung hero
  • Volunteer of the year
  • Person of the year

The closing date for entries is May 31.

To make a nomination, fill in the form in this link.

You never know - it could be you!