Everyday Heroes 2025 nominations extended as BRASS named charity partner

Nominations for the 2025 Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards have been extended until midnight on Sunday, 8 March, giving readers extra time to ensure no deserving person is missed.

Organisers say the response so far has been exceptional, and the extended window will allow even more people across Bedford Borough to recognise those who quietly make a difference in their community.

Charity partner announced

At the same time, awards partners The Harpur Trust have chosen this year’s charity partner, Bedfordshire Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support (BRASS).

BRASS is a small Bedford charity providing vital support to nearly 1,000 refugees and asylum seekers each year.

The partnership is also a tribute to BRASS Director Brian Cunningham, who died recently. His work supporting people newly arrived in Bedfordian communities had a significant and lasting impact.

Read: Obituary: Brian Cunningham (1964-2025)

Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here

Lucy Bardner, Community Programmes Director at The Harpur Trust, said: “We are honoured to put forward Bedfordshire Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support as the charity partner for this year’s Everyday Hero Awards.

This decision is especially meaningful following the recent sad loss of Brian Cunningham, BRASS’s Director, whose compassion and leadership made a profound impact on our community.

“At The Harpur Trust, we had the privilege of working closely with Brian through our long-standing grant support to BRASS. His dedication helped the organisation grow into a vital service supporting nearly 1,000 refugees and asylum seekers each year.

“Brian’s commitment ensured that those arriving in Bedford were met with dignity, empathy and practical support. We also want to shine a light on BRASS as a smaller charity whose essential work often happens without the recognition it deserves.

“The past year has been particularly challenging for charities and volunteers helping refugees and asylum seekers. By choosing BRASS as our charity partner, we hope to celebrate their remarkable contribution and encourage others to support their mission.

“Brian’s legacy lives on through the people BRASS continues to help every day. Honouring the organisation through the Everyday Hero Awards is a fitting tribute to his incredible work and enduring impact.”

Read: Make your nomination: Celebrate Bedford Borough’s everyday heroes as awards return for a sixth year

Celebrating Bedford’s Everyday Heroes

Now in its sixth year and held in partnership with The Harpur Trust, the Everyday Heroes Awards celebrate the people who give their time, skills and compassion to make Bedford Borough a better place to live.

Finalists will be honoured at a ceremony hosted by Bedford School at The Quarry Theatre on Thursday, 7 May.

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.