I know a lot of people don’t want to hear the word ‘vote’ for quite a while, but Hampshire County Council is asking for nominations for their Good Neighbour Award scheme and it seems an excellent way to thank publicly people who help and support the community and their neighbours.

The scheme comes under the council’s ‘Better time for older people’ section which provides information from the council and other agencies across Hampshire for older people. The awards programme is run in conjunction with five partners, Good Neighbours Support Services for Hampshire, Age Concern Hampshire, Carers Together, WRVS and Brendoncare Club Hampshire.

The idea is if a ‘good neighbour’ has enabled you to stay in your own home or has made life easier for you by helping with certain chores or tasks, however small – getting prescriptions, cutting the lawn, etc, - or if you know of someone who’s supported someone else in this way, you’re asked to nominate them via the form on the council’s website.

You can also nominate people who organise teams of volunteers or groups to provide this sort of support – although only if they weren’t nominated last year (as the council received a lot of this type of nomination) and nominations are limited to one per group.

All you have to do is put down in 40 words why this person is a ‘good neighbour’.

This is the sixth year the scheme has been running and last year the awards were presented by the DIY television celebrity Tommy Walsh at Winchester’s Great Hall in October.

The awards ceremony this year will also be held in the Great Hall, this time in September.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 25 June.

Good Neighbours Support Services for Hampshire coordinates independent voluntary groups which provide neighbourly support for older people in their local communities. Phone 023 9289 9671 for more information.

Age Concern Hampshire supports people over 50, including providing information and services in day care. For more information phone 0800 328 7154.

Carers Together is a support network for carers – call 01794 519495 if you want more information on what they do.

WRVS provides practical services and help to older people with meals on wheels perhaps one of its most well-known services. Their phone number is 01730 269967.

Brendoncare Club Hampshire (01962 877772) uses a team of volunteers to run social and luncheon groups throughout Hampshire.