1V MAN OF THE YEAR 2024
WINNER Javed Iqbal
Javed Iqbal was the winner of the 1V Man of the Year 2024 at this year’s Awards Dinner, sponsored by Reel Cinema Blackburn.
Javed has been a volunteer in his local community for over 20 years. He supports many residents as a befriender and as a community worker. He runs a men’s mental health group at his local community centre. He uses his strength as a translator to signpost people to the services that they require. Javed also supports the work at his local mosque and the eye department at the hospital with his personal experiences.
Javed was overjoyed and shocked at winning the Man of the Year, “I was amazed and honoured at receiving such a prestigious award, it had left me speechless. I would like to thank the wider community and One Voice Blackburn in organising a fantastic event.”
THE FINALISTS
Raja Razwan Aslam
Raja Aslam is a proud father of four children as well as being a foster carer, currently to two young foster children. He is currently working with Abu Faisal Trust Charity for their campaign in raising funds for the displaced people of Gaza. Raja also recently visited Morocco to deliver aid, food, water and necessities first hand to all those who suffered in the earthquake. Earlier in 2023, he ran the Manchester Marathon whilst fasting during the month of Ramadan and raised over £3,000. Raja completed the 26.2 miles without any food or water all in aid of charity. Raja Aslam is known by many as the ‘Happy Runner’ as he always runs marathons with a huge smile on his face. As a keen runner and health advocate, Raja has taken part in seven marathons over the last few years and has raised over £20,000 for a wide range of charities. He has also been nominated for a Pride of Britain award accolade.
Javed Iqbal
Javed has been a volunteer in his local community for over 20 years. Javed Iqbal supports many residents as a befriender and as a community worker. He runs a men’s mental health group at his local community centre. Currently, Javed is working on a project recent project supporting vulnerable men who are isolated and unable to communicate well due to language barriers. Javed has supported various groups in his role as a English translator to support many members of the local BAME community who don’t speak and understand English as the main language. He is passionate about helping the community in any way possible. He uses his strength as a translator to signpost people to the services that they require. Javed also supports the work at his local mosque and the eye department at the hospital with his personal experiences. He also supports the running of both Accrington Road and Little Harwood community Centres.
Shakil Salam
Shakil Salam has over 25 years experience of working with the public and voluntary sector. He started his career as a housing Officer before becoming a manager for the only multicultural day centre for Age Concern, based in Blackburn. Shakil has also worked within the NHS from 1996 as a Community Development Officer. This role gave him an excellent opportunity to engage with local multicultural communities. Alongside this Shakil has taught Urdu and bilingual Skills at Blackburn College. He joined the Cares Contact (Now Carers Link Lancashire) as a Health lead, supporting carers and providing training to GP/Health professionals. Shakil has a keen interest in promoting positive image of our community and dedicates his time after work to community media and promotion work, particularly for those who cannot speak English. He hosts a health show on Pendle Community Radio every Thursday afternoon and reports for Samaa TV in highlighting the positive work in the community. Shakil is also a trustee of Abaseen Foundation, a charity supporting Health & Education in Pakistan.
Jason Walker
Jason started volunteering from a very young age after lobbying and fighting for more activities and facilities for the youth on the Wimberley Estate where he lived and grew up. Jason was instrumental in the re-formation of the Wimberley Tenants and Residents Association and the Wimberley Youth Group alongside a dear friend. He was the founder of the Young Citizens Association and launched the Young Citizens Awards, working out of Bangor Street community Centre and St. James’s Church Jason Walker has been volunteering for 30 years and has worked alongside many groups and charities in the town. During this time he has helped raised tens of thousands of pounds for Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion (poppy collection), Macmillan Cancer, Nightsafe and Secret Santa. Jason continues to volunteer and help with events such as the National Festival of Making, the Confessional Music Festival, Lancashire Athletics and Blackburn Cathedral Community Theatre.
The 1V Man of the Year should be a role model for the whole community.
He must demonstrate a series of activities or programmes which have made a real difference in his community, and the wider area of Blackburn. He should show a real passion for his work and seek to positively impact lives and communities. This award is open to volunteers as well as paid staff, however the 1V Man of the Year must go beyond his paid role(s) to be considered for this award. Special credit will go to those that are ambassadors in the area of cohesion and integration, and those who seek to promote gender and racial equality, as well as uplifting marginalized communities.
While the award aims to acknowledge the work of candidates in the previous 12 months, it can also be recognition of a continued level of service to the communities.
SPONSORED BY
WINNER 2023
Revolutionary Integration Advocate Wins 1V Man of the Year
An influential and inspirational community member won the 1V Man of the Year Award for his ground-breaking initiatives that have gained nationwide coverage.
Yasir Sufi was honoured with the Award at the respected 1V Awards ceremony held at King George’s Hall in Blackburn.
Taj Shah, Manager at Reel Cinema Blackburn presented Yasir with the trophy on the night.
Over the past year Yasir has created some key collaborative projects, in his post as Integration manager at Blackburn Rover FC, which are being replicated across the country.
He has led the Ewood Express initiative, a bus service that transports local children from the town to attend home matches at Ewood Park.
Yasir Sufi has been instrumental in co-ordinating Eid in the Park at Ewood Park in 2022. This unique event at a football club was recognised through all the main national media channels.
Yasir Sufi also set in motion a prayer/spiritual room at Ewood Park. Both achievements harnessed community cohesion in the town and beyond.
He is passionate about breaking barriers and building cohesion within a sport that can be quite daunting to certain groups in the community.
Yasir also spent eight years working with 400 young footballers in developing and launching Abu Hanifah Foundation FC.
A delighted Yasir told One Voice “I feel absolutely privileged at receiving the 1V Man of the Year Award”. The award is for everyone who has supported me I have been given the opportunity to do. There are many individuals in the community who equally deserve this award.”
SPONSORED BY
Last year’s Winner Tinta Ali