The Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2024, in partnership with The Harpur Trust, recognise people across Bedford Borough who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in their communities.
Nominations are open and one award honours individuals aged 14 to 21 who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in sport, community work, or charitable efforts, positively impacting those around them.
Sponsored by Bedford Heights, the Young Achiever Award (14-21) sits alongside the Young Achiever Award (ages up to 13) sponsored by Maths Circle.
Nominate here – all nominations must be received by midnight on 16 March 2025
Recognising young people who make a difference
This award is for young people who have achieved beyond expectations, whether through sport, charity work, volunteering, or making a positive impact in their community. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment set them apart, and this is an opportunity to celebrate their hard work.
Last year’s Young Achiever award went to Charlie Faulkner, who has dedicated his time to helping children’s charities and community groups, particularly supporting underprivileged children.
He has delivered talks on consent, respect for women, and being an ally, ensuring young people grow up with a better understanding of these important topics.
Charlie’s commitment to supporting and uplifting others is exactly what this award stands for, and we know there are many more young people in Bedford Borough making a similar difference.
Proudly supported by Bedford Heights
Tim Pain, director of Verve Developments Ltd, owners of Bedford Heights, explained why they support the award, “The Everyday Heroes Awards is an event we look forward to every year as it spreads positivity and joy to so many people in the community.
“Bedford Heights are proud sponsors of the Young Achiever (14-21) category once again, and we just know that we will be incredibly impressed, as in previous years, with the achievements, commitment, and dedication shown by young people across the town.”
Nominate here – all nominations must be received by midnight on 16 March 2025
Nomination deadline extended
There’s still time to nominate a Young Achiever or anyone else who deserves recognition in our categories, as the deadline for all Everyday Heroes Award categories has been extended to midnight on Sunday, 16 March.
Read: Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards nominations extended
If you know a young person aged 14-21 who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions, nominate them for Young Achiever of the Year.
To submit a nomination, fill in the form at the end of this article or visit: Everyday Heroes 2025 Nomination Form.
These young people are shaping the future—let’s make sure their achievements are celebrated.
The Everyday Heroes Awards
Now in its fifth year, the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards, run in partnership with The Harpur Trust, celebrate the unsung champions of Bedford Borough.
The 2024 awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 1 May at The Quarry Theatre, with Bedford School as the host sponsor.
This year’s categories include:
- Young Carer of the Year (Heart Academies Trust): Recognising young carers under 18 for their dedication. (2023 winner: Andreea Balan)
- 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) (Woodfines Solicitors) Rewarding those who have raised funds for a good cause. 2023 winner: Liz Simmonds
- Fundraiser of the Year (Team) (White Hart Press): Rewarding those who have raised funds for a good cause. (2023 winner: David Donnelly’s team)
- Unsung Hero (Brewpoint): For those making a quiet but significant impact. (2023 winner: Christian Coley)
