Nominations are now open for the No Child Left Behind Awards

The awards celebrate the people and organisations that make a real difference and make Cheltenham a better place for local children, young people and their families.

The awards are open to every organisation, group or service that can demonstrate how they’ve made a difference to young people in Cheltenham in 2023, especially those living in poverty or facing hardship.

Organisations can be nominated in one of 12 categories, with #EarlyYears, #StrongRelationships and #YoungAdults new for this year as we want to celebrate the work to support children with getting a good start in life, helping them develop a solid support network, and equipping them with the skills needed to negotiate adult life. NCLB are encouraging everyone involved with children’s activities, services or groups in Cheltenham to enter.

Cllr Flo Clucas, member for safety and communities, said: “So many organisations are working day in, day out to support local children, young people and their families and I’m proud that our awards help recognise that. These continue to be tough times and it is right that we take time out to acknowledge and celebrate their dedication and commitment.

“I’m delighted with the new categories which reflect some really important issues across our town and I’m looking forward to seeing who wins at the NCLB awards in February.”

“I’m also incredibly grateful to The Cheltenham Trust and Punchline-Gloucester.com who are once again very kindly supporting the awards.”

The award ceremony is being hosted by the venue sponsor, The Cheltenham Trust, at Cheltenham Town Hall on Thursday 1 February 2024, and the awards are again being brought to Cheltenham in association with Punchline.

The award categories celebrate how organisations and projects have adapted to some of the big issues facing the town and its children and families and nominations can be submitted online on the council’s website. The categories are:

#OurTown - Understanding how child poverty affects our town and taking action to combat it.

#GoodMentalHealth - Helping children, young people and families to improve their mental health.

#EarlyYears - Supporting children from 0-5yrs to develop and grow in a healthy and happy environment.

#StrongRelationships - Understanding the importance of good relationships to build happy and resilient individuals.

#PhysicallyActive - Encouraging children, young people and families across the town to get moving.

#FunandFulfilment - Helping children and young people to find their strengths and passions.

#GoingGreen - Working to improve the environment by making eco-friendly and sustainable changes and encouraging others to do the same.

#FutureLeaders - Giving children and young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and to become leaders.

#InspiringLearning - Supporting children and young people to develop a love of learning beyond the classroom.

#BusinessForChange - Celebrating local businesses that support children and young people to thrive.

#InclusionWorks - Unlocking the potential of all our children and young people.

#YoungAdults - Supporting young people to make a successful transition into adulthood by equipping them with the relevant skills and knowledge to make positive life choices.

Mark Owen, editor and owner of Punchline Gloucester, said: “We are incredibly proud to be involved with the NCLB Awards again. Last year was an amazing event and I was blown away by the support of so many brilliant and caring companies sponsoring the category awards - it was fantastic that so many organisations received a huge well deserved thank you as they continue to do incredible work in the community. A big thanks also to the wonderful sponsors who have stepped up to help make this one of the highlights of the calendar year, not just for the kids but for all of us as well.”

Award nominations must be made by 5pm on Monday 6 November 2023: https://haveyoursay.cheltenham.gov.uk/no-child-left-behind/nclb-awards-nominations-2023.

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

Further information about No Child Left Behind can be found at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/nclb.