These are the three finalists for the Shared Values in Action award - sponsored by Bradford for Everyone. 

From virtual fitness and cleaning up streets to helping refugees, the award celebrates the kind people making Bradford a great place to live and work.

 2023's finalists are Humera Khan, Indi Elcock and Compton Street Residents.

Humera Khan

The person who nominated Humera described her as “super hard working, dedicated, passionate, enthusiastic, always encouraging others to make a change within themselves and spreading positive energy”.

The nominator said Humera and the group Happy Healthy You were involved in a number of activities to help people of all ages - including fitness classes, mental health support, healthy eating, and better start projects.

She praised the work they had done during the pandemic providing free virtual fitness sessions.

Humera said: “My initial reaction was complete shock and still is, to be quite honest. I feel completely blown away that people have put me forward through my work at Happy Healthy You and I am even more grateful that the work we do is impacting people.

"I feel very blessed that I have the most passionate team and I find so much joy working with our community partners, who also share that passion and only by working together, we achieve these things.

"So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every one who has been involved in this journey and the beautiful service users, who make it so worthwhile.” 

Indi Elcock

Indi’s nominator said: “Indi is the kindest person when it comes to helping and supporting others. She has silently worked in St Clements Church, leading a grassroot organisation called the Anchor Project, without a fuss, and without much support.

"She continues to give everything to help those who are most vulnerable, mainly the elderly, and asylum seekers and refugees. She only works part time but it is like she is always working round the clock to help those most in need.

“She will never shout about what she is doing but it’s about time someone does!”

Indi said: “I’m delighted (and surprised!) to be through to the finals especially as I believe there to be countless ‘community stars’ all across Bradford.”

Compton Street Residents

Compton Street Residents were nominated by a Bradford Council employee who has been supporting and working with the group as part of a community development role.

The nominator said: “The Neighbours of Compton Street have grabbed the opportunity to work with our community development worker and look at the strengths they have on their street to improve the lives of each other.

"Starting with small doorstep conversation they have organised into a robust, hardworking collective, sharing skills, equipment, and time. They are now supporting each other to improve the environment of their street and challenge unwanted behaviours. The change is dramatic.

He said: “The residents have come together to look after the street ensuring it’s a clean safe space for all. They have chosen a spokesperson for the street, who acts as the bridge between the residents and the services.

“The residents of Compton Street got fed up with the street looking untidy and rubbish being dumped on the raised flower bed at the end of the street.

"The spokesperson approached the council on behalf of the residents for permission to create a shared community growing space on the planter bed, which they would take responsibility for. Alongside this they have removed unwanted vegetation and jet washed the whole street.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: QR code to vote for Bradford's Community Stars Awards finalists for 2023QR code to vote for Bradford's Community Stars Awards finalists for 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

How to vote

To vote for your local hero, please visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CL68FHT or scan the QR code.

Voting will end at midnight on Tuesday, November 21.

Finalists for Bradford's Community Star Awards

For 2023's awards, there are 10 categories in total.

Click the category to find out more about each finalist