Welsh charities and voluntary organisations have just over a week left for an opportunity to be recognised in the sector’s annual celebration of excellence.

Nominations for the 2015 Third Sector Awards Cymru, which honour the work and achievements of groups and social enterprises across the country, close on Friday, 13 November.

Run by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and supported by voluntary sector communications and ICT services specialist Class Networks, organisations shortlisted for a prize will be invited to a gala awards dinner in Cardiff in January.

Winners at the 2014 awards included Gofal y Ddolen Community Support Service - run by the Red Cross Gofal service and developed with Denbighshire Social Services, Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association Youth Group, which was set up to help raise the aspirations and life experiences of young people, and Swansea-based Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST), which was established by a group of ethnic minority young people to fill a gap in provision for young BME people aged 11 to 25.

‘There are countless third sector groups in Wales doing inspirational things every day,’ said WCVA Chief Executive Ruth Marks. ‘We’re asking for nominations for groups deserving recognition for their achievements to give them their moment in the spotlight.’

There are six award categories, with organisations able to nominate themselves in the first five. But the category for most admired organisation will this year - for the first time – see entries going to a public vote, details of which will available on WCVA’s website after the closing date.

The categories are:

The Class award for best communications – for groups with effective or innovative ways of communicating their message to service users and volunteers.

The environmental award – for organisations that have helped deliver environmental benefits for their communities.

The health, social care and wellbeing award – for groups that have helped people to be happier and healthier in their communities.

The award for good governance – to recognise groups whose trustees ensure their organisation is well run and exemplar.

The award for innovative fundraising – for organisations that have run campaigns or events demonstrating creativity and innovation in fundraising.

Award for the most admired organisation – for organisations most respected for their inspirational work and the causes they represent.

For further information visit www.wcva.org.uk.