Finalists for the Calderdale Community Spirit Awards 2026 Announced
The Community Foundation for Calderdale, together with headline sponsor Calderdale Current, is delighted to announce the finalists for the Calderdale Community Spirit Awards 2026. Taking place on Thursday 21st May 2026 at The Venue, Barkisland, the awards will celebrate the volunteers, charities and community groups whose dedication, compassion and hard work make Calderdale such a special place to live.
As a charity that exists to fund and support community activity across the borough, we have the privilege of seeing the impact of this work up close. Each year, we read hundreds of nominations from people who want to say a heartfelt ‘thank you for making such a difference’ to those going above and beyond for their communities. This years’ nominations were truly something special as we received a record breaking number of nominations. This is a reflection of just how active and engaged our charity sector is. The sheer volume, high standard, and diversity of entries made judging incredibly challenging, but was also really inspiring.
The standard of work being delivered across Calderdale continues to rise. From grassroots groups to well-established charities, the entries showcased resilience and an unwavering commitment to improving lives. Often, with limited resources, the positive impact being made is exceptional.
We were also particularly encouraged to see a significant increase in nominations for the Sustainability Award, not just from larger organisations, but from smaller charities and community groups too. It’s clear that sustainability is being embraced across the sector, with organisations of all sizes taking responsibility for their environmental impact and finding creative ways to do things differently.
Judges Sian Rogers from Calderdale Council, Emma Worsley from VAC, Andrew Hawley Chair of Finance at CFFC, and Mike Brennan from Outdo had the difficult job of judging but are pleased to announce the finalists.
Young Community Champion sponsored by Sleigh & Story
• Hasan Nassar
• Hollie Shaw
• Yawar Hamza Sabir
Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Grapevine Directories
• Andy Clarke
• David Rushworth (in memoriam)
• Jacky McShane
• Siobhan Clegg
• Umar Naeem
Outstanding Individual Achievement sponsored by PiB
• Ann Anthon
• Carol Wadley
• Jo Beacroft-Mitchell
• Nicola Slingsby
• Norma Riley
Arts & Culture sponsored by VCEP
• ACDC/ Brightside Arts Club Café
• Verd De Gris Arts
• Orange Box Choir
• Project Colt Choir
• Shared Harmonies CIC
Sustainability sponsored by The Craggs
• 51st Pellon Scouts
• Calderdale College- Walk and Talk Group
• Clare Townley
• Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group
Making A Difference sponsored by Calderdale College
• Carers United
• Davren community solutions
• Happydays Ministries UK
• Overgate Hospice and HOT
• Sober Butterfly CIC
Charity of the Year sponsored by BK Plus
• Alpha House Calderdale
• Brighouse Central Foodbank
• Focus4Hope
• Invictus Wellbeing
• WomenCentre Ltd.
The winner of the Lifetime Achievement sponsored by Hawley Energy will be announced on the evening.
Tickets will be available in due course. For ticket enquiries, please email rachel@cffc.co.uk
