Community Stars Awards 2020: Nominate Bradford's unsung heroes

THIS year’s Community Stars Awards will take on a rather special meaning this year to celebrate the efforts, sacrifices and dedication of Bradfordians during the pandemic.

From food banks and volunteers to kind neighbours, many people have rallied round those in need in what has been one of the most challenging times of the 21st century.

As the Community Stars awards enters its tenth year, this is your chance to nominate your unsung heroes who go the extra mile to help others in their corner of the world.

The annual ceremony gives everyone the chance to recognise people, groups or organisations they know who make a positive and valuable difference to the lives of Bradford’s people and their wellbeing.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Doreen Lee said: "It is a real privilege to support these awards. Community Stars is a very special event that celebrates the many wonderful people who contribute so much to our district. These efforts can often go unnoticed and they take many different forms, so these awards are a brilliant way of recognising the valuable difference that our volunteers make. The current pandemic means that we are facing extraordinary and difficult times, so it is even more heart-warming to see so many incredible stories of voluntary work and people going the extra mile for others."

There are nine categories in this year’s awards and the Telegraph & Argus will be revealing more about each one over the coming days.

The Voluntary & Community Group Award, sponsored by Volunteering Bradford, is open to any voluntary and community group that operates in Bradford district. All not-for-profit groups are able to be nominated regardless of their size or scope.

The Shared Values in Action Award, sponsored by Bradford For Everyone, will celebrate people who are doing activities which bring people together.

To nominate someone for Community Stars award, visit the form here.

The Good Neighbour category is sponsored this year by Incommunities who will be looking out for people who do extraordinary things to help others in their communities.

The Outstanding Contribution to Earliest Years of Life Award is sponsored by Better Start Bradford this year. Other categories include Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Student, Young Active Citizen, Fundraiser and Business Making A Difference.

The finalists will be selected in November. In December, the winners will be revealed in a special T&A supplement and win medals for their efforts.

Nigel Burton, editor of The Bradford Telegraph & Argus, said: "This year, more than any other in recent memory, people have come to appreciate the value of community.

"Whether it’s doing the shopping, walking the dog or just ringing for a chat, our community champions have come into their own during the coronavirus crisis.

"That’s why the Community Stars awards are more relevant than ever. Community-minded individuals don’t do what they out because they want approval or adulation. They give everything and ask for nothing in return.

"But we think it’s right to turn the spotlight on these selfless people one night of the year to give them the recognition they so richly deserve."

Entries will be online only this year. To nominate someone for Community Stars award, visit the form here.