THE Shared Values in Action Award recognises people who are doing activities which bring people together.

The finalists are Connecting Roma C.I.C, Horton Housing’s ESOL tutor Richard Taiwo and the group of apprentice’s at Healthy Minds.

Connecting Roma C.I.C has been nominated for helping Bradford’s EU Roma community.

Their nominator said: “Connecting Roma go above and beyond to help the EU Roma community in Bradford in a number of ways. They have recently expanded their wellbeing programme to Bradford East to ensure they can reach more members of the Roma community who need help.

“They are now working with local schools in Bradford to give opportunities to talented students who would like to pursue a career in arts and performance. They are creating a number of workshops.

“They communicate directly with the Roma community through outreach, social media and their services, collecting their views and ensuring their voices are heard.

“Connecting Roma voluntarily hosts tradition cultural events/celebrations to share with the wider community to bring people together and promote inclusion.”

Other work includes an out of hours wellbeing service, holiday club and support for issues such as debt management and homelessness.

Richard Taiwo is changing lives as an ESOL teacher and coach for Horton Housing United fc Refugee Football Team.

His nominator said: “Richard is a very hard working individual. Some relatives of mine actually attended his classes which they really enjoyed and, as a result, they were able to gain employment.

“We need to celebrate positive achievements from people like Richard who can help drive the city forward.”

Richard provides free training in a variety of courses such as business or health and social care.

Meanwhile he has taken refugees, migrants and asylum seekers to the refugee world cup - making one family “feel they belong in England and in Bradford.”

One of his former students is set to have their English poetry published in an anthology.

Apprentices at Healthy Minds have created a movement to address issues around inequality, discrimination, loneliness, poverty, prejudice and wellbeing in Bradford’s young generations.

Titled ‘Kindness, Compassion and Understanding’ (KCU), the project is boosting understanding of the issues that lead to bullying, hate crime, discrimination and exclusion.

It is based on the group’s own experiences.

The nominator said: “The young people are true role models in getting the message of KCUout there in schools and communities. The programme has been delivered to over 5,000 children and young people.”

Apprentices include Isha Ali, James Robinson, Candice Bia, Kemmi Gill, Maisie Southwell, Brooke Johnson, Ali Islam, Isobel Phelan, Toni McCarthy, Jodie Fletcher, Phoebe Dear, Amber Whitehead-Stevens and George Hearson.

Finalists for Bradford's Community Star Awards revealed

For 2022’s Community Stars Awards, there are nine categories in total.

Click the category to find out more about each finalist

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