Since 2020, the Bedford Independent Everyday Hero Awards have been held to celebrate individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to help those in our local community.
In 2024, Shapna Khanam was awarded the Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Brewpoint, for her work in “organising community events, workshops and activities like trekking, archery and biking, through the Hawaa organisation.”
Shapna said: “It actually took me by surprise, because there were so many heroes that were in the room that day.
“I think for me it was just so nice because you don’t always look at the work that you’re doing, so it was so nice to be recognised by the community and know that you’re making a difference to the lives of the people in Bedford.”
Read: Over 300 attend Bedford’s first women-only Iftar
Although Shapna initially started Hawaa to bring ‘women together’, the organisation has since grown rapidly. It now helps not only women but anyone who needs support with health and well-being.
The Unsung Hero added, “Initially, when I started, I thought people needed connecting, but I didn’t realise how big this was.”
Since winning the award in 2024, the Hawaa organisation has continued to make contributions to the local community.
This year alone, they have hosted a health fair, female-only badminton and squash sessions, ‘SEND’ sessions for groups of marginalised people, the ‘Men Get Active’ initiative, along with multiple walks and hikes, with another set in two weeks.
Read: Council launch women-only badminton sessions to help boost participation
Youth programmes
Hawaa also runs many youth programmes, such as ‘Mighty Footballers’, and is currently trialling a new youth boxing programme starting this Sunday (16 November).
Shapna said: “It’s been a lot of hard work to put on all the programmes, events and initiatives, but I’ve been able to make changes to people’s lives and I think for me that’s the biggest thing and is the thing that keeps me going.”
Read: Women of all faiths and backgrounds celebrate and inspire at unique event
She added: “We’ve had people who have come to us who have suffered from social anxiety, and getting them connected within the group has really helped them, and they’ve said how much they appreciate the space that we have created for them and the belonging and purpose that it’s given them.”
The organisation is already planning for next year, with their third ‘Ready Steady Ride’ event set for June 2026, where young children participate in fun and challenging bike and scooter rides.
Nominations for the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2025 are already open. Head to our simple-to-fill-in form below or here and help say “thank you” to the unsung heroes who make Bedford brilliant.
