The search is on for Bedford’s Everyday Heroes, as nominations continue to come in for the 2024 Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards, celebrating those who go above and beyond to support their community.
Now in its fifth year, the awards are once again held in partnership with The Harpur Trust, who continue to champion the people making a difference in Bedford Borough.
This year, they are sponsoring the Fundraiser of the Year category, recognising individuals whose dedication to raising money has had a lasting impact on local causes.
The 2024 awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 1 May, at The Quarry Theatre in Bedford, bringing together nominees, supporters, and community leaders for an evening of celebration. The event is hosted by Bedford School, with the Quarry Theatre as the venue sponsor.
Lucy Bardner, The Harpur Trust’s community programmes director, said: “We’re really proud to partner with the Bedford Independent in sponsoring the Everyday Heroes Awards again.
“This is our fifth year and what we love about the awards is, every year we get new nominees.
“It’s not just the same names and faces that come up, because there are so many organisations and individuals out there doing such fantastic work behind the scenes to inspire and support the people of the borough to improve their lives.
“The awards are really important in recognising the efforts of those who volunteer and give up their free time, or go over and above to make a positive impact.
“We look forward to celebrating the unsung heroes of the Borough, but we need you to help by nominating someone you know who makes a difference in the community—please don’t let their efforts go unnoticed.”
Nominate here – all nominations must be received by midnight on 16 March 2025.
Recognising Bedford’s heroes
The Everyday Heroes Awards celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things, from volunteers and fundraisers to emergency responders, teachers, and community leaders.
The awards shine a light on those who give their time, energy, and expertise to make Bedford Borough a better place for everyone.
This year’s award categories include:
- Volunteer of the Year (Harpur Trust): Celebrating those who give their time selflessly. (2023 winner: Akaal Seva)
- Excellence in Education (Bedford School): Honouring teachers, coaches, and educators who inspire and uplift young minds. (2023 winner: Faye McKinney)
- Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough (The Quarry Theatre): For individuals or teams who put Bedford on the map. (New award)
- Pride in Bedford Borough (Bedford Radio): Recognising those who make Bedford a better place to live, work, and play. (New award)
- Young Achiever (up to age 13) – (Maths Circle/Times Tables Rock Stars): For an individual aged 13 or under who has achieved over and above the expected. (2023 winner: Lola Bracey)
- Young Achiever (14-21) (Bedford Heights): Celebrating young people making a significant impact. (2023 winner: Charlie Faulkner)
- Youth Voice (Bedford Giving): A brand-new award recognising young people or organisations advocating for under-18s.
- Fundraiser of the Year (Individual & Team) (Woodfines Solicitors & White Hart Press): Rewarding those who have raised funds for a good cause. (2023 winners: Liz Simmonds & David Donnelly’s team)
- Unsung Hero (Brewpoint): For those making a quiet but significant impact. (2023 winner: Christian Coley)
- Young Carer of the Year (Heart Academies Trust): Recognising young carers under 18 for their dedication. (2023 winner: Andreea Balan)
Supporting JustUs – tackling homelessness in Bedford
The Harpur Trust and the Bedford Independent have also announced JustUs as their charity partner for this year’s awards, in recognition of its work supporting people experiencing homelessness in Bedford Borough.
“For many years, homelessness has been one of the biggest issues facing people in Bedford Borough,” added Lucy.
“Over the past decade, The Harpur Trust has allocated more than £1m to projects supporting people out of homelessness, and when we asked the public what the most pressing issue in the borough was at a consultation at The Bedford River Festival last summer, the results came back overwhelmingly as housing and homelessness.
“Many of the people we spoke to realised that the problem wasn’t just street homelessness, but the sheer numbers of people in our community living in temporary, insecure and unsuitable accommodation.
“That’s why we’ve nominated Just Us as our charity partner for these awards. They advocate for local people who are homeless to help them get the support and housing they are eligible for.”
How to nominate your everyday hero
Do you know someone in Bedford Borough who deserves to be recognised for their contributions? Nominating them is simple, just complete the form below or visit the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards nomination page.
Nominations close soon, so don’t miss the chance to celebrate those making a real difference in our community.
