THE Outstanding Contribution to Early Years award, sponsored by Better Start Bradford, celebrates those who continue to have a hugely positive impact on the life of babies, young children and their families.

This year’s finalists are Raymond Field and Maryiam Ahmed, Sam Thirkhill and Tahire Zeneli.

Raymond and Maryiam have been described as a “fantastic duo” by the person who nominated them, and have both been volunteering for Better Start Bradford for four years now, as well as volunteering for a number of projects within Better Start, such as Better Place, HENRY, PITL fund, Neighbourhood project and Innovation Hub.

A person who nominated them said: “They are exceptionally outstanding volunteers who are extremely active and willing to help with anything that they can be involved in.

“They have both been through extremely difficulty circumstances in life, however, they always manage to volunteer with a bubbly, fun and hard-working attitude.

“This year alone, they have volunteered with over 25 events, from sweeping up glass on the grounds, to becoming Santa Claus at festive fun events and providing arts and crafts activities.”

It was added that Raymond “brings happiness, leads by example, is a role model and his passion is infectious and brings so much fun to everything we do”.

A person who nominated the pair also said that “Maryiam, despite her struggles in life, always makes time to volunteer with whatever is going on. She brings honesty and shows genuine care with everything she is involved in, and is always up for a laugh.”

Sam Thirkill has been nominated for contributing “endless hours” on a voluntary basis, supporting the families that access the services of the Shine Project in West Bowling, where she works.

Sam has set up baby groups, supports refugee families and helps to maintain the food and clothing bank at the centre.

She also runs and supports projects including story and rhyme time sessions delivered by Better Start Imagine, and is “always proactive”, a person who nominated her said.

“Sam is always available to call on and answers her mobile at any time of the day to take queries, support families in need or support other workers”, they added.

“She leads by example and really connects to families through her personal experiences of having and bringing up children. Everything she supports or runs at the project is done with 100 per cent passion and commitment.”

During the pandemic, Sam was actively involved in ensuring that the doors of the centre were still open to families, while still following government guidelines, and maintained contact with families during this period.

Tahire Zeneli has been nominated for her work in volunteering at BD4 Family for over eight years.

She has led her own sessions, including a group called ‘culture comforts’, which aims to break down cultural barriers within East Bowling and beyond.

During the pandemic, Tahire also helped to prepare and deliver hundreds of free activity packs for early years.

She also planned and delivered virtual interactive singing sessions via YouTube, and helped to deliver face-to-face group activities for pre-school children and their parents/carers.

She also supported the BD4 Community Trust summer programme of activities as part of the HAF (Holidays and Food) funding, supporting children on free school meals.

“She continues to help drive change and positive outcomes for the early years provision”, said a person who nominated her.

“She is there for everyone. She is a great listener and carer and puts her community first. She is extremely creative, forward-thinking and wants the best for early years”, they added.

"Tahire has supported early years with activities to stimulate their development throughout the lockdown period."

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