FINALISTS REVEALED
We’re excited to announce the finalists for the 1V Awards Dinner 2026, Blackburn’s biggest celebration of community excellence, organised by One Voice Blackburn. After a break last year, the awards are back and promise an unforgettable evening recognising the incredible people and groups making a difference across our borough.
The event will take place on 28 March 2026 at the newly renovated Exchange Building, one of Blackburn’s most iconic venues. Over 400 guests will gather to celebrate individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to strengthen communities and improve lives.
THE AYA HACHEM YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR 2026
The Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year Award, named in memory of Aya Hachem, honours young people making a powerful impact. This year’s finalists include Motunrayo Ainenehi, who balances an internship, school governance, tutoring, volunteering, fundraising, and student leadership; Sanaa Dewan, a long-term volunteer and youth mentor showing incredible resilience and dedication; Ayna Manahil, just 10 years old, volunteering with Benefit Mankind, fundraising for wildlife, and leading environmental initiatives; and Zainab Shah, Blackburn Young Person MP, amplifying youth voices and championing inclusion and representation.
Motunrayo Ainenehi
Sanaa Dewan
Ayna Manahil
Zainab Shah
SPONSORED BY
1V GROUP OF THE YEAR 2026
The 1V Group of the Year Award recognises teams transforming lives. Finalists include BAGS for Strife, providing crucial support for families bereaved by suicide; Idle Women, empowering marginalised women through arts, environment, and social projects; Shelter Lancashire, advocating for safe and secure homes; and Z’s Defence Academy, supporting women through self-defence, wellbeing, and personal development.
Bags for strife
Idle Women
Shelter Lancashire
Zs Defence Academy
SPONSORED BY
1V HEALTH AWARD 2026
Health and wellbeing are celebrated through this year’s finalists, including the Blackburn Birth Centre Maternity Team, offering compassionate support from pregnancy to postnatal care; Sunita-Asal Chander, guiding visually impaired children to independence and confidence; Beverley Ormerod, creating inclusive spaces for neurodiverse individuals and refugees; and Zaynab “Zee” Jogi, leading women’s health, self-defence, and wellbeing initiatives.
Blackburn Birth Centre
Sunita Asal Chander
Beverley Ormerod
Zaynab (Zee) Jogi
SPONSORED BY
1V APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2026
Emerging talent is recognised in the Apprentice of the Year Award, with Chloe Booth, Caitlin Boyle, Aaminah Karolia, and Nico Novello celebrated for determination, skill, and impact.
Chloe Booth
Caitlin Boyle
Aaminah Karolia
Nico Novello
SPONSORED BY
1V MAN OF THE YEAR 2026
The 1V Man of the Year Award finalists, Jamie Holman, Shiraz Hussain, Anthony Meara, and Tabassum Zubair, are recognised for leadership, creativity, and community contributions.
Jamie Holman
Shiraz Hussain
Anthony Meara
Tabassum (Tabz) Zubair
SPONSORED BY
1V WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2026
The 1V Woman of the Year Award highlights Shahiesta Iqbal, Shigufta Khan, Mary Painter, and Farzana “Faz” Sidat for transformative leadership and mentorship.
Shahiesta Iqbal
Shigufta Khan
Mary Painter
Faz Sidat
SPONSORED BY
Two special awards, the Leader’s Award, sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, and the John Roberts Outstanding Achievement Award, will be announced ahead of the ceremony.
Now in its 12th year, the 1V Awards Dinner is the largest community-based awards ceremony in Blackburn. This year’s movie night theme will feature nods to Grease and The Italian Job. The evening will be hosted by young members of One Voice Blackburn, including Saffiyah Hassan (16) and Malaaikah Muhammad (14), with performances by Zoe Taylor Dance Academy and a comedy sketch by Shabaz Ali.
Tickets are limited, so if you’d like to attend, contact
info@1vblackburn.org or call 01254 676193.
Let’s celebrate the amazing people and groups shaping our community!