Turning neighbours into friends wins Minehead woman 'great neighbour' BBC award

A WEST Somerset woman was one of eight winners of the 2026 BBC Radio Somerset ‘Make a Difference Awards’ which recognised their outstanding contributions to their local communities.

The winners were celebrated at a special awards ceremony in Taunton, where their inspiring stories of kindness, resilience, and selfless dedication were recognised in front of family, friends, and community supporters.

Barbara Seacombe, from Minehead, who copes with limited mobility caused by a spinal tumour, received the BBC Somerset ‘Great Neighbour Award’.

She has lived in Minehead for 33 years and on her current estate off Seaward Way for three decades, and said she loves where she lives and has worked hard to create a stronger sense of community.

When she first moved to the area, there were challenges around anti-social behaviour and community divisions.

However, Barbara wanted local children to grow up with positive opportunities and a stronger sense of belonging and she wrote to the local council and helped bring residents together to discuss how they could improve relationships.

Over time, those conversations helped transform the community, and, working alongside local partners, including the police, the residents established activities and opportunities for young people.

Projects included litterpicks, car washes, supermarket collections, and environmental initiatives.

Barbara said when young people helped create something, they were far more likely to value and protect it.

One of her proudest achievements was helping organise celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and seeing the community come together was a special moment.

BBC Somerset chose Barbara for the award because of her dedication which had helped to ‘turn neighbours into friends’ and strengthen community spirit across her estate.

It is the fifth year of the awards and hundreds of nominations were received from across the county, honouring ‘everyday people’, and animals, who go above and beyond to make life better for others in their local communities.

Winners were selected by a panel of celebrity judges, including Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, Jon Kay, from BBC Breakfast, Gladiators favourite Apollo, Olympic champion figure skater Robin Cousins, actor James Purefoy, television presenter Sarah Beeny, BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Matt Chorley, and Strictly Come Dancing former professional dancer Janette Manrara.

BBC Radio Somerset executive editor Gareth Roberts said: “What I love about the Make a Difference Awards is that we are able to celebrate the amazing things that people do across the county.

“From the wonderful volunteers like Chhavi Gautam who champions culture through her work in Yeovil, or the superb Gavin Step giving youngsters in Somerset the chance to take part in sport even though he has the Lionesses to worry about, every single one of our finalists deserves recognition and it is great that we are able to do that through these awards.”

BBC head of audio commissioning Chris Burns, said: “The calibre of nominations this year has been exceptional, and we have been deeply moved by the many stories of compassion, resilience, and community spirit.

“We are proud to recognise these extraordinary individuals and give them the appreciation they so richly deserve.”