A CHARITY which supports around 300 people in Bradford every week to improve their employability and social skills has been nominated in the 2015 Telegraph & Argus Community Stars Awards.

SHINE - which stands for social, health, inner, natural, and economic wellbeing - is based at St Stephen's Church in West Bowling, and aims to create a "community hub" in the area for those who feel socially excluded.

Staff deliver a wide range of life-enhancing services and opportunities to people of all ages, faiths and ethnicities, in their bid to "create a new story for Bowling."

The charity was nominated in the Community Group category of this year's awards, by Sheila Brett, of Bradford Council's Neighbourhood Service.

"SHINE organise a group for all ages to search for jobs, create CVs, and give advice on job interviews," she said.

"This enables people to gain confidence and seek advice, as well as having the facility to search for jobs online.

"They also run a weekly sewing group, which is a chance for people to meet, chat and exchange skills.

"There is a weekly gardening club which teaches individuals how to plant, grow and maintain gardens.

"Through all these groups they promote encouragement, confidence, and offer suitable facilities for all the local community regardless of faith.

"This can be simply just a drop-in centre to have a hot drink and seek advice.

"They organise an annual Mela which is open to everyone, and is a chance for people to get together and interact with each other.

"People of different religions, backgrounds, and ethnicities come together and learn from each others experience, meeting in a friendly environment.

"SHINE is a true community hub."

DOWNLOAD A COMMUNITY STARS 2015 NOMINATION FORM

Stephen Woodrow, community engagement coordinator for SHINE, said it aimed to tackle issues such as social wellbeing, health, and economic problems.

"The main thing is getting people together," he said. "We are trying to tackle loneliness and social isolation.

"Being nominated for a Community Stars Award is brilliant news, we're really chuffed.

"It's recognition for the work we are doing here.

"It's not about that really though, it's just about serving the community.

"If we're doing that, then we're doing our job."

The honours are organised by the T&A and Bradford Council in an effort to ensure unsung heroes across the district are rewarded for their commitment.

Nominations for the awards must be submitted before Monday, September 28.

They will then be whittled down by a panel of judges before Bradfordians have the job of voting for who they think is the most deserving from a shortlist of nominees.

Winners in the six categories - Volunteer, Good Neighbour, Community Group, Fundraiser, Community Champion, and Young Active Citizen - will be announced at a ceremony at City Hall on December 2, where they will each be presented with the Bradford Medal.