Diversity schools project to expand after BBC win

Mahmut Gunaydin believes his schools programme is the best way to overcome division in society

A man who won a BBC Make a Difference award for his work promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in schools now hopes to roll the programme out.

Mahmut Gunaydin won the community award for his voluntary work with the Dialogue Society which aims to advance social cohesion.

His Life of a Chickpea project follows a chickpea's journey as a metaphor for British values of democracy, individual liberty and mutual respect, and he hopes he can now take it to schools in other towns in the county.

Meanwhile, Sue Holden, who won the great neighbour award, has urged people to make a nomination for the 2025 awards as it can "affect a whole community". Nominations close on 31 March.

Mr Gunaydin was selected as the winner by the actor Jeremy Irons, which he said was an "unexpected but brilliant" moment.

"It made me want to do more at a local level to promote these three key concepts of equality, diversity and inclusion," he said.

"I think it's the best way to overcome division in our society."

Lof of a Chickpea follows a chickpea's journey as a metaphor for understanding societal models, British values,

He said winning the BBC award for Oxfordshire had raised the profile of the project, resulting in more inquiries from schools wanting to run the programme.

Sue Holden says it was lovely to be recognised for doing something that she 'really has a passion about'.

Mrs Holden won her award her community work Barton for 53 years.

After retiring as the local newsagent in 2006, she took on a role at Barton Community Association community centre.

She said: "I get a real buzz out of making a difference to people's lives."

Mrs Holden helps organise activities and events, including free youth clubs, exercise classes, subsidised coach trips and a community larder.

She said the award recognised the contribution of the whole team which worked "to breathe oxygen into the building, and make it come alive".

Participation in exercise classes at the centre has "gone through the roof" since news of the award win was posted on the community association's newsletter and website, she said.

Mrs Holden urged people to make a nomination for the 2025 awards if they knew someone deserving.

"Please go ahead and do it because your nomination will make a difference to not just one person's life but it can affect a whole community.

"Don't hesitate, you'll make somebody very happy."

How to nominate

The Make a Difference Awards recognise and celebrate people, across eight different categories, who are going above and beyond to make a difference where they live.

Every BBC Local Radio station will host an awards ceremony in 2025.

The awards are a chance to say "thank you" and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others.

Nominations can be made via the BBC Make a Difference website where you can also see full terms and the privacy notice.