The Happy List 2018: The Independent launches its search for the UK’s most inspiring people

Nominations are now open to find 50 outstanding unsung heroes who enrich the lives of others

The Independent is once again opening nominations for our annual celebration of people whose kindness, bravery and dedication help to make the UK a better place.

The Happy List was set up in 2008 as an antidote to greed-driven celebrity rich lists. Rather than laud privilege and wealth, the Happy List seeks to shine a light on those whose extraordinary efforts are for no personal gain, and who often go unrecognised outside their own communities.

This year the Happy List is celebrating its tenth anniversary, and in a world awash with negativity and fake news, it has arguably never been more important to tell the stories that truly deserve to be told.

Christian Broughton, editor of The Independent, said: “I'm very happy indeed to celebrate 10 years of the Happy List, and to shine a light once again on remarkable people who may otherwise be under-appreciated.

“In 2018 we need the Happy List more than ever. With our politics dominated by division and confusion, it's important to recognise people who enrich the lives of others, and to inspire more of us to try to follow their lead.”

To nominate someone you know who deserves to be on the list, simply click here, and later this summer we will publish the names of 50 of those who have been put forward.

The Happy List is brought to you in partnership with the world's leading online fundraising platform, JustGiving.

They could be charity fundraisers, foster parents, environmental campaigners, youth mentors, or simply those who have done extraordinary things to help others.

In previous years, the Happy List has included children fundraising for charity, Britain’s longest serving barmaid, and a couple who bought a house for a family of refugees.

The Happy List 2018 will recognise diffuse achievements and activities, and as such it would be impossible to rank them, but there will "hero" categories highlighting some of many the ways Happy Listers help improve life. These will include Community Champion, Animal Saviour, Child Hero, Planet-Saving Tsar and Positivity Coach.

When the Independent's former news executive David Randall came up with the idea of the Happy List, his vision was for it to be a way to chronicle people who give back to society rather than take from it. And what makes the list so special is that the nominations come from you, our readers.

Everybody knows someone who does amazing things for others, whether that’s with children, the elderly, the marginalised, wildlife, or simply by doing some small act to make their community happier. Please, tell us about them.

How to nominate

We need your help to find those who deserve to be celebrated; please nominate online by clicking here. All we require are a few details about the individual you are nominating: their name, a way to contact you (or them), and the reason you’re putting them forward. Nominations from all corners of the UK are welcome.

Follow us at twitter.com/HappyList100

You have until midnight on Monday 6 August 2018 to nominate. The selected entries will be revealed on the Independent later this summer. Individuals cannot nominate themselves.