How You Can Help The Reptile Academy Shine at the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026
- J
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
The Reptile Academy has a chance to be recognised at the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026. These awards celebrate people and organisations that make a real impact in their communities. The Academy’s work in animal welfare, education, and community support stands out as a beacon of positive change. Your nomination could help bring this important work into the spotlight.
Why The Reptile Academy Deserves Your Support
The Reptile Academy is more than just a place for reptiles. It is a hub for animal rescue, education, and community engagement. The volunteer team works tirelessly to improve animal welfare, provide training, and support young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges.
Here are some key areas where The Reptile Academy makes a difference:
Animal welfare and rescue: Even though we are not a rescue centre, The Academy supports rescues reptiles and other animals, providing them with care and finding them new homes through our matchmaking service.
Education and training: They offer hands-on learning experiences that teach people about reptiles and responsible animal care. Learners can achieved recognised certifications and qualifications.
Supporting young people: The Academy creates opportunities for young people, especially those facing challenges, to build confidence and skills. We offer the Holiday Activity & Food Club programme, which is a free club for children entitled to free school meals in the holidays between the ages of 8 and 16.
Community engagement: Volunteers and staff work together to strengthen local communities through outreach and events, by exhibiting at events like The South Downs Show and Careers Events.
Awards Categories The Reptile Academy Could Win
The BBC Make a Difference Awards recognise achievements in several categories. The Reptile Academy is eligible for multiple awards, reflecting the breadth of its impact:
Animal Award
For organisations improving animal welfare through rescue, care, and education.
Volunteer Award
Celebrating the dedication of the volunteer-led team that keeps the Academy running.
Community Group Award
Recognising groups that support and change lives within their communities.
Young Hero Award
Honouring the young people involved with the Academy who show courage and commitment.
Each category highlights a different aspect of the Academy’s work, showing how it touches lives in many ways. Perhaps you'd like to nominate a particular person, animal, or the whole team. Whatever or whoever has impacted you the most!
How Your Nomination Makes a Difference
Nominations tell stories. They share experiences of how The Reptile Academy has impacted individuals and communities. Your nomination can help the Academy gain recognition, attract more support, and continue its vital work.
If you or someone you know has benefited from the Academy’s efforts, consider nominating them. This could be because:
You or your child learned valuable lessons about animal care.
A student in your school gained confidence through the Academy’s programmes.
Your community has seen positive change thanks to their outreach.
You admire the dedication of the volunteers who keep the Academy thriving.
Steps to Nominate The Reptile Academy
Nominating the Academy is simple and quick. Follow these steps:
Visit the BBC Make a Difference Awards website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference/awards/
Choose the category or categories where you feel The Reptile Academy fits best.
Write a brief explanation of how the Academy has made a difference to you or your community.
Submit your nomination before the deadline: 31st March at 5pm.
Every nomination counts. The more stories shared, the stronger the chance the Academy has to be recognised.
What Recognition Could Mean for The Reptile Academy
Winning or even being shortlisted for a BBC Make a Difference Award would bring many benefits:
Increased visibility: More people would learn about the Academy’s work and mission.
Greater support: Recognition can attract new volunteers, donors, and partners.
Motivation for the team: Awards celebrate the hard work of staff and volunteers, boosting morale.
Expanded opportunities: Awards can open doors to new projects and funding.
Your nomination is a powerful way to help the Academy grow and continue making a positive impact.
Share the News and Spread the Word
You can also help by sharing this opportunity with friends, family, colleagues, and social networks. Use the hashtag #BBCMakeADifference and mention The Reptile Academy to raise awareness.
Here’s a short message you can share on social media or in conversations:
Have we made a difference to you? 💚
Nominate The Reptile Academy for a BBC Make a Difference Award! 🏆
Deadline: March 31st ⏳
Link in bio 🔗
Final Thoughts
The Reptile Academy’s work in animal welfare, education, and community support is truly inspiring. Your nomination can help this organisation gain the recognition it deserves at the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026. Take a few minutes to share your story and support a cause that changes lives.
Visit the nomination page today and help The Reptile Academy shine.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your voice matters.
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