Children & Young People Now Awards

In its 19th year, the Children & Young People Now Awards showcases innovation and outstanding practice in services for disadvantaged children, young people and their families. Our Head of Impact and Learning, Dr John Allan, was invited to judge selected categories including, The Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, The Play Award and The Children’s Achievement Award. Hosted on Thursday 28th November at the Novotel, Hammersmith, many practitioners, teams and organisations took away awards for their work across the public, voluntary and private sectors.

John, said,

"It was an honour to contribute to such a rigorous and rewarding judging process, where the standard of entries was exceptional in terms of impact and innovation."

Winners included Team Oasis, an Inclusive Children's Charity, for The Play Award category and their work in advancing play as a priority programme. John, who presented the award to Team Oasis, said,

"This organisation delivers outstanding, pro-active and resilient provision for children of all backgrounds and needs in the face of adversity.”

Founded in Toxteth, Team Oasis has overcome significant economic and social challenges to deliver its services in this community. Every week around 350 children and young people, of which half have a physical disability, special need or mental health condition, take part in the charity’s diverse programme of indoor and outdoor activities such as painting, dancing, storytelling, film-making and photography. Find out more about Team Oasis, here

Other categories included, The Learning Award, who’s winner particularly inspires us as an organisation that overcomes educational obstacles. The winner was Catch22 and their Include Suffolk programme. Include Suffolk offers placements for up to 66 children aged 5 to 11 that have significant educational barriers unmet by mainstream schools. Many have been excluded from their previous setting, struggle with anxiety and have learning difficulties. Bespoke support is given to every child to overcome educational barriers. In the past year, attendance levels have improved more students transition to a positive destination. Read more, here

Find out more about all the winners, here

Reflecting upon the event John, said,

"This ceremony championed the children and youth sector at a time where it faces significant changes in funding and reform. It is apparent from this event, there is a plethora of ability poised for the challenges and opportunities this brings in helping to shape policies and practices. The Inspiring Learning group, Kingswood's parent company, and its associated charity, the Inspiring Learning Foundation, will strive to collaborate across the sector in pursuit of practices which deliver meaningful and lasting impact."

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