Finalists announced for Cheltenham’s No Child Left Behind Awards 2023

The ceremony is generously sponsored by Infrastar.

The lucky award winners will be announced during the invitation-only ceremony - which aims to shine a light on projects that have made a real difference to local children and young people – hosted by singer and entertainer Camilla Lewington and children’s entertainer, The Magnificent Mr Kai on Thursday 1 February 2024 at Cheltenham Town Hall. 

The judges included: Ann James executive director of children’s services at Gloucestershire County Council, Dame Janet Trotter OBE chair of Child Friendly Gloucestershire, Mayor of Cheltenham Councillor Matt Babbage, Deputy Police Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire Nick Evans and members of The Youth Parliament looked at a record number of 69 nominations.

Cheltenham’s mayor, Cllr Matt Babbage said: “Each of the judges had a tough selection process and I’m immeasurably proud to have read so many entries which detailed the fantastic work that has happened in Cheltenham this past year.’’

The 24 finalists that have been selected these are:

#OurTown - understanding what child poverty is and how it affects our town.

• Sewa Day
• The Rock – Youth Work
• Gloucestershire Learning Alliance

#GoodMentalHealth - helping children, young people and families to improve their mental health, sponsored – Creed Foodservice 

• Every Cloud Play and Creative Arts Therapy
• Cheltenham Counselling Centre
• The Rock - Youth Work

#EarlyYears – supporting children from 0-5yrs to develop and grow in a healthy and happy environment, sponsored - SAND Academies Trust

• Every Cloud Play and Creative Arts Therapy
• Aspire Foundation Early Years

#StrongRelationships - understanding the importance of good relationships to build happy and resilient individuals, sponsored – Punchline

• Springbank Community Group
• Every Cloud Play and Creative Arts Therapy
• Aspire Foundation

#PhysicallyActive – Encouraging children, young people and families across the town to get moving, sponsored - Brickhampton Court Golf Complex

• Move More
• Shurdington C of E Primary School

#FunandFulfilment - helping children and young people to find their strengths and passions, sponsored - InCito Holdings LTD – Gloucestershire McDonalds

• Cheltenham Childrens Choir
• Art Shape
• Springbank Community Group

#GoingGreen - working to improve the environment by making eco-friendly and sustainable changes and encouraging others to do the same, sponsored - Cheltenham Borough Council

• Cheltenham Borough Homes - Wild and Green
• Springbank Community Group

#FutureLeaders – giving children and young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and to become leaders, sponsored -  Randall & Payne

• Simone Hopkins and Sons Martial Arts Academy
• The Rock - Young Leadership Programme
• Barking Buds

#InspiringLearning  - supporting children and young people to develop a love of learning beyond the classroom, sponsored - Hartpury College

• Paws for Reading - Cheltenham Animal Shelter
• Let’s Cook with Josie CIC
• SkillZONE

#BusinessForChange – celebrating local businesses that support children and young people to thrive, sponsored - Infrastar

• Dunelm Community Support
• School House Café - Fresh Hope Works
• Cheltenham Town FC Community Trust

#InclusionWorks – unlocking the potential of all our children and young people, sponsored - Renishaw

• Move More
• Goals Beyond Grass
• Cheltenham Festivals

#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, sponsored - Cheltenham BID

• The Aston Project - Gloucestershire Constabulary 
• The HALT Project - Cheltenham Animal Shelter
• Young Gloucestershire

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for communities and safety, said: “The No Child Left Behind awards was developed four years ago to celebrate the work organisations have done to make life better for our children and young people - and to celebrate the achievements of groups and organisations who are giving children and young people opportunities to thrive.

“This year celebrates not only all the finalists but the highest number of entries to date, which shows that Cheltenham is committed to its communities to ensure no child is left behind.

“My thanks to all those organisations and individuals that have taken the time to enter and, of course, express my gratitude to each of our individual award sponsors as well as our partners Punchline-Gloucester, Infrastar, All About Fun for providing entertainment and activities on the night and venue sponsor Cheltenham Trust.”

Glen Griffin, CEO of Infrastar, continued: "Infrastar Limited is proud to support the No Child Left Behind Awards 2023. Every child deserves not just a chance, but an opportunity to flourish by being equipped with the resources and support they need to turn their potential into reality.

"What we do today has an ongoing impact on tomorrow, so it is with immense pride and honour that we support No Child Left Behind Awards and look forward to hearing the winners being announced."

To find out more about the NCLB awards, hosts, categories or sponsors visit nclbcheltenham.org or follow @NCLBchelt on Twitter and Facebook #NCLBAwards2023 on Twitter.

For media enquiries contact [email protected] 01242 264231.