An unforgettable night of celebration at the No Child Left Behind Awards

Last night (Thursday 1 February) saw 24 sensational finalists and 12 triumphant winners celebrated at the uplifting fourth No Child Left Behind awards in Cheltenham’s iconic Town Hall.

Over 300 guests including Cheltenham’s children, young people and their families along with organisations and sponsors enjoyed an exciting evening of winner announcements and entertainment from singer and entertainer Camilla Lewington and Magnificent Mr Kai.

The evening celebrated the achievements of Cheltenham’s exceptional organisations who work towards long term change, addressing inequalities and offering support. The awards cover a wide range of issues including: family support, physical and mental health, inclusivity, environmental projects, digital innovation and business support. This year the awards included three new categories: Early Years, Strong Relationships and Young Adults.

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for communities and safety said: “No words can say how proud I am of everyone who has given their time, effort and sponsorship to No Child Left Behind - my thanks to all of you. The awards have brought together Cheltenham’s inspirational organisations and last night we celebrated the efforts of 2023 in our communities to change the life chances of the town’s most disadvantaged children.

‘’Congratulations to all the winners, Cheltenham should be proud of every project, organisation and person involved as they make an enormous difference to young lives.

“My special thanks to our judges, performers, our host Camilla Lewington and the Magnificent Mr Kai who did a fantastic job entertaining everyone.

“The awards wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of businesses made possible by our media partner Punchline Gloucester. A huge thank you to all sponsors especially Infrastar, Cheltenham Trust who provided the iconic Cheltenham Town Hall and Production AV with Sorted Global who supplied our audio-visual equipment.’’

Exciting music and drama performances were given by Lakeside Primary School and Pittville School. Guests also enjoyed a fun zone of games and activities provided by All About Fun UK.com.

Mayor of Cheltenham and NCLB Awards judge, Cllr Matt Babbage, said: ‘’What an unforgettable and inspirational evening from start to finish!  As a shortlisting judge I can honestly say that it was a pleasure to read through the entries and learn more about the fantastic community spirit and great work that has been done in Cheltenham over the past year. My congratulations to all finalists and the NCLB award winners.”

The NCLB Awards 2023 winners:

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

Winner – Gloucestershire Learning Alliance

Sponsored by Spirax Sarco Engineering PLC

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

Winner – Every Cloud Play and Creative Arts Therapy

Sponsored by Creed Foodservice

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

Winner – Aspire Foundation Early Years

Sponsored by – SAND Academies Trust

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

Winner - Springbank Community Group

Sponsored by – Punchline Gloucester

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

Winner - Move More

Sponsored - Brickhampton Court Golf Complex

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

Winner - Cheltenham Childrens Choir

Sponsored - InCito Holdings LTD – Gloucestershire McDonalds

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

Winner - Cheltenham Borough Homes - Wild and Green

Sponsored - Cheltenham Borough Council

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

Winner - The Rock - Young Leadership Programme

Sponsored -  Randall & Payne

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

Winner - Let’s Cook with Josie CIC

Sponsored – Hartpury University and College

#BusinessForChange – celebrating local businesses that support children and young people to thrive.

Sponsored - Infrastar

Winner - School House Café - Fresh Hope

#InclusionWorks – unlocking the potential of all our children and young people.

Winner - Goals Beyond Grass

Sponsored - Renishaw

#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.

Winner - The HALT Project - Cheltenham Animal Shelter 

Sponsored - Cheltenham BID

#GoodMentalHealth winner Kay Tibbles Every Cloud Play and Arts Therapy said: ‘’We’re thrilled to have won, we work hard to provide a safe, secure and playful space for children and young people who have experienced trauma, to process and heal. We also deliver training in schools to help staff see children in a different way and support them with compassion. It’s wonderful to receive this award and it will be proudly displayed at our new larger premises in the town, where we’re able to support more young people and families to have good mental health.’’

To find out more about No Child Left Behind, the community agreement, workshops or events contact No Child Left Behind on Facebook and Twitter or visit [email protected].

For media enquiries please contact [email protected] 01242 246231