Community Stars Award shortlist: Vote in the Community Group category

The award recognises groups run by the community for the benefit of local residents in and around the Bradford district.

The Sue Belcher Centre in Bracken Bank after it was repainted by NCS volunteers and residents

BRACKEN BANK & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION is the people’s platform to speak with a network of local town councillors, Bradford Council councillors and other organisations to inspire change in the environment.

Projects include renovating outdoor community areas with stone picnic areas, new and better paved paths and play areas for the children to play on, improved lighting for the play areas and walkways.

Other events include Howarth Home Guard and North Wind Tribal Dancers.

It was nominated for the following reasons: “The whole committee work together as a well-oiled wheel. Each having their own strengths but together they compliment the team. They have one thing in unison and that is to work for the community.

“They are always striving to improve and to put on bigger and better events. They all have grown in confidence and have gone onto work in/with new groups, and have encouraged other to become volunteers.”

Members from People First Keighley & Craven

PEOPLE FIRST KEIGHLEY AND CRAVEN has been a voice for those with disabilities and learning difficulties since 2002.

The group offers support to carers by providing short breaks, organises campaigns to bring equality into force as well as going into schools to teach children about life with disabilities.

A spokesperson for People First said: “The members at People First are delighted to be nominated for an award because they feel it is great to be recognised for the work that they do. The members stated that just being nominated has given their organisation a boost and a sense of pride and achievement.”

Members also promote hate crime awareness by designing posters and educating local businesses and franchises on how to keep vulnerable staff safe.

The nominator said: “They bring joy to peoples lives with the events that they hold. Everyone who ever comes to People First falls in love with this place.”

CHILDSPLAY NEIGHBOURHOOD NURSERY has been shortlisted for supporting families in need with food, clothing and furniture as well as skills training.

The community Nursery has trained and employed young people - some of whom never went to school - and provided opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible to them.

The nominator told the T&A: “This has inspired hope in young, working class people and people of colour to have their voices heard. Some of these people have gone on to be teachers and got jobs in other professions.

“Childsplay has made a huge impact on building communities and empowering parents working alongside each other exchanging skills and experiences.”

A day out courtesy of the West End Community Centre

WEST END COMMUNITY CENTRE, found within St Oswald’s Church, works with disadvantaged local community of Little Horton and the City of Bradford to help them find their purpose in life.

The centre provides English improvement lessons, IT skills workshops, support for those with depression, a singing club and a sewing group.

The mantra ‘nobody should be isolated’ is one practiced by the centre - no matter what their sex, sexual orientation, race or of political and religious opinions are.

The nominator for West End Community Centre said: “You have to visit the centre to believe the warmth, welcome, and support on offer. There are people from 20+ different nationalities, many different religions, some with disabilities, some without. People with no educational attainment to those with masters degrees, but everyone just helps each other. It’s a magical place.”

Vote for your Community Star here

Voting deadline: Thursday, November 28

COMMUNITY STARS SHORTLISTS: