The winners of the BBC Radio Devon Make a Difference Awards 2026 were announced at Buckfast Abbey on Thursday. The ceremony, now in its fifth year, recognises the unsung people and groups who make a difference in communities across the county.
A therapy alpaca, a rowing captain and a men's mental health group built around making artisan pizzas were all celebrated. A total of 32 finalists were chosen across eight categories, including environmental, fundraiser and great neighbour.
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Dylan, 13, won the Young Hero award. He has been making food parcels for the homeless in Torbay since he was eight. He said: "It gives me the sense that I'm doing something to make the world slightly better because I'm helping people live." He added: "I have one belief and that's no one should starve, no one should feel the pain of being hungry." He said he never thought he would win and "it was really emotional" for him. He also said: "I think everyone should have won the award all at the same time." He said the award would go on a shelf "far out of reach" because he didn't want it to break.
The Dough Bros, a men's mental health group in Totnes that uses pizza making to start conversations about mental health, took home the community award. Hosted by Resilient Lives CIC, the peer-led support programme brings men together in a relaxed environment with no pressure to talk but plenty of opportunity to connect. Silver Levy-So, from Resilient Lives, said: "I'm still shaking a little bit because I think, especially with what we do as a group for men, a lot of these men, including myself, struggle with anxiety, struggle with certain neurodivergence or social difficulties. It's just mad that we're here when what we usually do is just sit inside a little woodland on the edge of town around a fire, eating pizza." He said: "I think we're all here for the same… reasons, I mean it's making a difference to the community."
The Environmental Award went to Sustainable Hatherleigh, which runs projects including bug hunts, encouraging wildflowers and biodiversity in the local graveyard, community composting and a repair café. Jo Pullin from the organisation said she was "absolutely delighted". She said: "It just shines a light on everything the volunteers do."
Community Winners Revealed for Devon Make a Difference 2026