The Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2025, in partnership with The Harpur Trust, are now open for nominations, celebrating people across Bedford Borough who go above and beyond to make a difference.
Among the categories is the Young Achiever Award (14–21), sponsored by Bedford Heights, which recognises young people who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in sport, community work, or charitable efforts, and who have positively impacted those around them.
The category sits alongside the Young Achiever Award (up to age 13), sponsored by Maths Circle.
Celebrating commitment
The award is for young people aged 14 to 21 who have achieved beyond expectations, whether through sport, volunteering, fundraising or making a wider contribution to their community.
It aims to celebrate dedication, leadership and commitment among young people who are already shaping the future of Bedford Borough.
In 2024, Urban Judge, 19, from Kempston, won the Young Achiever (14–21) Award for founding YouthTV at the age of 13 and leading initiatives to empower young people and promote women’s voices in Bedford.
Urban has continued his work with YouthTV and his commitment to supporting young people since receiving the award.
“It was kind of like an out-of-body experience. It didn’t feel real. It was just unexpected,” said Urban, reflecting on the award.
“When I was awarded, I was like ‘I’m not a hero’, but people say it’s because of my commitment to supporting young people and becoming a hero for young people.
“I’m very proud and privileged that people have thought that I deserve to win, and I think it just shows to me that I have commitment in myself. I’m just going to keep going, and nothing’s going to stop me.”
Proud to support
Mo Jiwaji, commercial director of BizSpace, which owns Bedford Heights, said: “This is the first year BizSpace, through our recent acquisition of Bedford Heights, is supporting The Everyday Heroes Awards.
“We have heard in detail about the amazing work carried out by everyone involved, and we’re really keen to continue the association with something that brings so much positivity to the community.
“I’m personally really looking forward to seeing and understanding the achievements of the young people across the town under the Young Achiever (14–21) category. Wishing all the participants the best of luck.”
The 2025 awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 7 May, at The Quarry Theatre, with Bedford School as host sponsor and The Quarry Theatre as venue sponsor.
How to nominate
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:
| Category | Sponsor | 2024 Winner |
| Volunteer of the Year | Harpur Trust | Janet Dickinson |
| Excellence in Education | Bedford School | Michael Walker |
| Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough | The Quarry Theatre | Bedford Esquires |
| Pride in Bedford Borough | Bedford Radio | Anne-Marie Abbate |
| Young Achiever (up to age 13) | Maths Circle/Times Tables Rock Stars | Lucy Backhurst |
| Young Achiever (14 to 21) | Bedford Heights | Urban Judge |
| Youth Voice | Bedford Giving | Sporting Aid – The Next Generation Podcast |
| Inclusion Champion | BILTT | New Category / N/A |
| Fundraiser of the Year (Individual) | Woodfines Solicitors | Frankie Pickup |
| Fundraiser of the Year (Team) | White Hart Press | Bedford Christmas Tree Festival |
| Unsung Hero | Brewpoint | Shapna Khanam |
| Young Carer of the Year | HEART Academies Trust | Charlie Lloyd |
Do you know someone in Bedford Borough who deserves recognition for their selfless work? Nominating them is simple. You can submit your nomination using the form below or by visiting the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards page.
- Eligibility: Nominations must be for work carried out or achievements made between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.
- Deadline: Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
