A nationwide competition has launched to find three local heroes of the pandemic who have made a difference during these testing times — and applications to nominate someone special are still open.
Organised by Safestyle UK and CALM, the competition exists to celebrate kindhearted individuals who have gone above and beyond for their local community. Whether it's your teacher, neighbour or a friendly face who has delivered your groceries, it's the perfect time to honour all they've done during the pandemic.
"During these testing times, it is important that we look out for each other and let our friends, family and loved ones know that we are there for them if they are struggling," Simon Gunning, CEO at CALM, said.
What is the prize?
Once all the submissions have been received, the team will select three winners. Each local hero will be gifted a £250 voucher.
As well as the prize, the team will also be donating funds to help tackle loneliness. They said: "Unfortunately, not everyone has been so lucky to have someone brighten up their day; with many people experiencing feelings of loneliness throughout lockdown. Therefore, as part of this campaign, we will also be donating £2,500 to a charity that offers support to anyone who needs to talk, in order to show our appreciation and raise awareness."
How can you enter?
If you've got a friend or a loved one you want to honour, all you have to do is head to the Safestyle competition page, enter your details and explain who you'd like to put forward. After you've written why they have lifted your spirits during lockdown, you can submit an image of them to go alongside it.
The deadline for entries is 30th November 2020, so make sure not to miss out!
Martin Troughton, Head of Marketing at Safestyle added: "As we head into more localised lockdowns over the winter months, it's as important as ever to keep community spirit alive and check in on those around us, offering assistance or a quick conversation, safely, where we can. That's why we're thrilled to be working with a charity like CALM, who do amazing work for those in need of support."
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15 wooden Christmas trees perfect for your home this festive season
BOMBUS Alternative Wooden 4ft Christmas Tree
This 4ft tree made from birch plywood features charming festive cut-out stars. It looks wonderful once draped with fairy lights.
Dibor Woodland Mistletoe Wall Hanging Christmas Tree Ladder
This festive wooden wall tree is a great low maintenance alternative to a real or artificial Christmas tree. Strung together on eco friendly jute rope, the natural grain wood branches are decked with forest green mistletoe leaves and copper and gold berries for a sparkly touch. Simply display on your wall or door with with the handy loop.
John Lewis Bloomsbury Wooden Ladder with Berry Wall Decoration
Here's another wooden ladder tree, this time from John Lewis. Made from twigs and string, it's decorated with berries, pine cones, baubles and painted wooden stars.
PLANTABOX Large Christmas Crate Tree
This set of nine versatile apple crates transforms into a 8m high arrangement for a lovely Christmas tree alternative. Each crate gives you storage for gifts and decorations, so you can make it as festive as you wish. The crate tree is available in six different colours and it's also available in a smaller size.
You might even be inspired to make your own version, DIY-style!
This Scandi-inspired wooden Christmas tree, crafted from blonde wood, boasts a fabulous, minimal silhouette. With a simple slatted design, a star detail is added to the top for an extra festive touch.
These might be small but we love the delicate fir and pine cone design on these hand-painted, laser etched wooden Christmas trees. Pop these on the table or mantelpiece and weave some fairy lights in between for a truly festive look.
This handmade wooden Christmas tree has been assembled from driftwood on Suffolk beaches. Each tree is made from sustainable materials and is unique in style and size. At 30cm in height (it's also available in a larger size), it's definitely pared-back and far from a traditional Christmas tree, but it's perfect for a coastal home by the seaside.
This hanging wooden Christmas tree is rather unique. Measuring at 73cm, it's made from thick real birch wood branches and is decorated with fake snow.
Wooden Christmas trees like this are ideal for small spaces because they make a great decorative feature and they provide storage space for presents. You can leave it plain or paint it, which is a great craft project to do with kids.
Illuminated by lights, this wooden Christmas tree depicting a snowy village scene makes for a wonderful centrepiece. The decoration holds eight LED warm white lights which create a soft glow.
John Lewis & Partners Bloomsbury Wood Frame Tree Decoration, Orange
Want a centrepiece for your Christmas table? This simple wood tree is decorated with twigs, pine cones and realistic-looking berries.
Set Of Three Alternative Wooden Christmas Trees
Keep things minimal and Scandi this Christmas with this set of three wooden Christmas trees. It'll look great on the mantel or used as a table centrepiece.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
