Help recognise those making a difference in Cheltenham at the No Child Left Behind Awards 2026

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Awards are now open for nominations, recognising the young people, organisations and projects that have made a real difference to children, families and communities across Cheltenham in 2026.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 4 February 2027 at Cheltenham Town Hall, hosted by venue sponsor The Cheltenham Trust and held in association with Punchline-Gloucester.com.

The three new award categories for 2026 recognise how organisations and projects are responding to some of the most pressing challenges facing children, families and the wider community in Cheltenham. These are:

Safety and Belonging – Supporting children and young people to be safe and free from discrimination.
Together Against Bullying – Challenging bullying and building cultures of kindness, understanding and respect.
Physically Active – Creating opportunities for children, young people and families to enjoy being active.

Six categories are returning from last year's NCLB Awards:

Youth Voice Matters – Listening to and acting on children and young people’s views.
Closing The Gap – Reducing inequalities in educational achievement.
Good Mental Health – Helping children and young people or families to improve their mental health.
Fun and Fulfilment – Helping children and young people find their strengths and passions.
Business For Change – Celebrating local businesses that support children and young people.
Inclusion Works – Unlocking the potential of all our children and young people.

The Community Changemaker award will also be returning this year. This award is especially for young people who have made a difference in their local area, school or by supporting others. Examples might include volunteering in the community, taking action about our changing climate, promoting mental health awareness, advocating for social justice and equity, being a young leader, or taking a courageous step forward.

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: "There are so many individuals, organisations and community groups across Cheltenham doing important work to support children, young people and families.

"The NCLB Awards are a chance to recognise those efforts and celebrate the people making a real difference in our communities. I'm really looking forward to reading this year's nominations and hearing more about the work taking place across the town.

"I'd also like to thank Punchline-Gloucester.com and The Cheltenham Trust for their continued support."

This year's awards mark the sixth consecutive year of support from Punchline-Gloucester.com. Since the partnership began, Punchline-Gloucester.com has sourced sponsorship of almost £50,000.

Mark Owen, editor and owner of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: “I am very proud of our continued support for NCLB and couldn't thank all the business sponsors enough for answering the call to help provide and fund this fantastic event. I have to admit it is my favourite event of the year and I know many of them, that can attend; feel exactly the same!

“To see all the smiling children and helpers having a great time and being recognised for the fantastic things they all do in our community is wonderful. It really does make me feel humbled and inspired by them all.

“I look forward to this years event - as every year it gets better and better, and a big cheer to Cheltenham Borough Council, all the officers and volunteers that make it happen."

Organisations, groups and services are encouraged to submit nominations if they can demonstrate how they have made a difference to children, young people and families in Cheltenham during 2026, particularly those experiencing significant challenges or hardship. Nominations must be submitted by Sunday 8 November 2026. Visit the NCLB website to nominate an organisation or nominate a young person you work with.

Find out more about the NCLB Awards 2026.

For press enquiries contact: communications by email at [email protected] or telephone 01242 264231.

To sponsor NCLB award categories contact Beth at Punchline-Gloucester.com, [email protected].

Help recognise those making a difference in Cheltenham at the No Child Left Behind Awards 2026

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