Scots urged to show community spirit

She is calling on members of the public to nominate their local shining stars, who selflessly give up time volunteering for nothing in return. By nominating, local champions will be in with the chance of winning regional prizes including £1,000 towards a street party and ultimately national prizes of £25,000.

Recent research by Together Mutual Insurance, revealed that our sense of community is declining, while two thirds of respondents were unsure whether Britain as a whole still has a sense of pride. More specifically, over half of Scots surveyed were concerned that technological advancements, amongst other catalysts, have gotten in the way of face to face communication within their community.

Historically Britain has always come together and embraced national pride when it really matters, as can be seen from our incredible national passion throughout the Olympics and Paralympics. However it seems that this enthusiasm for our community and neighbours is waning. One in five people living in Britain today say that community spirit has worsened in the last five years, and six in ten of those surveyed lament that we as a nation just don’t talk to each other anymore. With the launch of Britain Has Spirit, it is Scotland’s chance to make headlines for the causes and people that matter in your area.

Gabby said: “We all know how well people across Britain celebrate individual and team endeavours, as so often demonstrated in sport. Britain Has Spirit has launched to try and re-evoke a sense of community pride and honour those who are tirelessly giving their time and effort to make communities and neighbourhoods better, all year round.”

Chris McElligott, director at Together Mutual Insurance, said: “The results of our survey were somewhat deflating. With people across the British Isles giving their local neighbourhood a mediocre five out of ten for community spirit – we knew it was time for change. On the back of our successful campaign ‘Better Together’ we are delighted to announce the launch of Britain Has Spirit. We will be really excited to congratulate all the worthy winners from Scotland, Wales and England.”

Nominations can be made within 12 regions in two categories; ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ and ‘Community Hero of the Year’. A judging panel will determine regional shortlists which will then be opened up to a public vote. All 12 regional individual champions will each enjoy a fun experience day prize and the groups, £1,000 towards a street party. Regional winners will then be collated and votes will again be cast by the public this time for the national winners. The national winning ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ and the national winning ‘Community Hero of the Year’ will each win £25,000 towards a local initiative or charity of their choice.

For more information, and to nominate a Scottish hero, visit www.britainhasspirit.com.