Time’s almost up: Nominate Bedford Borough’s Everyday Heroes before midnight tonight

Nominations for the 2025 Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards close today, and Bedfordians are being urged to put forward the people who make Bedford Borough a better place simply by doing what they do.

Now in its sixth year and held in partnership with The Harpur Trust, the awards recognise the volunteers, fundraisers, carers, teachers, neighbours and community champions whose efforts keep Bedford Borough moving.

Nominations have been flooding in, celebrating those who graft behind the scenes, turn up when it matters, raise money for good causes and support others without ever asking for recognition.

2024 winners

We have spoken to several winners of the 2024 awards and asked them what it meant to them to be named a Bedford Independent Everyday Hero. You can read what they said and more about the work they do to make Bedford brilliant at the links below.

• Young Carer, Charlie Lloyd: “It’s just sort of living for me”: Young carer on being recognised as Bedford Independent Everyday Hero
• Bedford Christmas Tree Festival Committee, Fundraiser of the Year (Team): “It still hasn’t sunk in”: Bedford’s Christmas Tree Festival returns following Everyday Heroes Award win
• Shapna Khanam, Unsung Hero: “There were so many heroes in the room that day,” Unsung Hero reflects on winning an Everyday Heroes Award
• Janet Dickinson, Volunteer of the Year: Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Volunteer of the Year: “I just do what I do because I love it”
• Urban Judge, Young Achiever (14-21): “I’m just going to keep going and nothing is going to stop me,” Urban Judge talks about Everyday Heroes award win
• Michael Walker, Excellence in Education: “It’s all about helping and supporting the students”: Everyday Hero winner continues to put young Bedfordians first
• Frankie Pickup, Fundraiser of the year (Individual): “She is a superhero”: 10-year-old from Bedford onto next mission after Everyday Heroes Award win

Celebration on 7 May

This year’s ceremony will take place on Thursday, 7 May, and will be hosted by Bedford School at our venue sponsor, The Quarry Theatre. Finalists, supporters and community leaders will come together to recognise those who make Bedford Borough brilliant.

Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here

Lucy Bardner, The Harpur Trust’s Community Programmes Director, said: “We’re thrilled to headline sponsor the Everyday Heroes Awards once again, in partnership with the Bedford Independent.

“Each year, we’re reminded of the incredible hard work and dedication that goes on behind the scenes in our community.

“What makes these awards so special is the diversity of nominees. Every year, we discover new individuals and organisations who quietly go above and beyond to help improve people’s lives.

“These are the people who don’t seek recognition, yet their efforts have a lasting impact on so many people across the borough.

“Please take a moment to nominate someone you know who makes a real difference. Let’s make sure their hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed.”

Celebrating Bedford’s unsung heroes

The Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards were created to highlight the ordinary people doing extraordinary things across Bedford Borough.

Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here

The categories reflect the diverse ways Bedfordians make the Borough a brilliant place to live, work, and play. Below are the categories, their sponsors, and the 2024 winners for inspiration.

How to nominate

Do you know someone in Bedford Borough who deserves to be recognised for what they do for others? Nominating them is simple.

Make your nomination through our simple-to-fill-in form below or here and help say “thank you” to the unsung heroes in our local community who go the extra mile to make a difference in Bedford. 

• Nominations must be for work carried out or achievements made between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.
• Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, 1 March 2026.