Sunderland’s most talented, dedicated and inspiring young people have been recognised at a special awards ceremony in the city.
Organised by Together for Children, the Sunderland Young Achievers’ Awards have celebrated the remarkable talents and achievements of young people across the city for more than 30 years.
The awards have seen thousands of inspirational children and young people recognised for the exceptional difference they have made to their communities and their city since they were launched in 1993.
Sandhill View Deaf Resource group, who have played a vital role in improving understanding of deafness in their school are this year’s overall winners of the Sunderland Young Achievers’ Awards.
The judges described how ‘Through their confidence, commitment and pride in their deaf identity, the group have helped raise awareness of deaf culture and British Sign Language (BSL), becoming strong advocates for inclusion and accessibility in their school and community.’
They also praised them as ‘thoughtful, courageous and inspiring young ambassadors’ who had ‘overcome isolation, challenged misconceptions and supported one another.’
Other winners include:
Daisy May Knight – winner of the Youth Voice Award – who turned sibling grief into a lifeline for others after losing her brother. Daisy set up ‘Siblings of Stars’ a bereavement support group, which runs monthly sessions in partnership with the charity 4Louis, after realising that many children who lose a brother or sister often feel overlooked, expected to stay strong while their grief goes unnoticed.
Oliver Hughes – winner of the Music Award – who has shown exceptional dedication to music during one of the most challenging periods of his young life. When his dad was suddenly diagnosed with heart failure, Oliver turned to drumming as his outlet, his structure and his way to cope. And his musical growth over the past year has been remarkable. After joining Sunderland’s legendary music venue, The Bunker, he has thrown himself into his craft, balancing his caring responsibilities with practicing every day at home, often before and after school, and attending sessions consistently.
Lola Mae Stephenson – winner of the Young Health and Wellbeing Champion – who at the age of 11, has already shown an extraordinary commitment to helping others and improving the wellbeing of her community. An ambassador for three charities – 4Louis, Melanoma Me Foundation and Sunderland Soup Kitchen – Lola has raised thousands of pounds and giving countless hours of her time creating sleeping bags, ground sheets and hygiene packs with essentials for people experiencing homelessness and making bereavement boxes for families facing the unimaginable loss of a child.
Councillor Michael Butler, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Child Poverty and Skills at Sunderland City Council: “It’s been an incredible honour to be involved in this year’s awards and to hear the inspirational stories of some of our amazing young people across our city.
“The Sunderland Young Achievers’ Awards demonstrate what is possible when determination, kindness, and creativity come together. I am truly proud to come from a city with so many kind, caring, talented and exceptional individuals – young people who already act as role models for others and who we know will be the future leaders of our city.”
This year’s awards at the Fire Station, were presented by Simon Marshall, Director of Children’s Services at Sunderland City Council, who is also Chief Executive of Together for Children.
Mr Marshall, said:
“As Director of Children’s Services, it genuinely warms my heart to see and hear about the remarkable things happening in Sunderland so I was delighted to present this year’s awards for the first time.
“Every story we have celebrated at this year’s awards reflects not only individual achievement, but the strength of our communities, our families, our schools, and the supportive networks that help our young people thrive.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped make these awards possible. It’s thanks to their tremendous dedication and commitment, that more than 30 years since the Sunderland Young Achievers Awards’ were first launched, we’re still able to honour these inspiring achievements year after year.”
The awards are sponsored by partners and organisations from across Sunderland who make the event possible – Gentoo, the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Culture House, Northern Academy of Music Education, Sunderland Carers Centre, Sunderland Safeguarding Children Partnership, Hopespring, Everyone Active, Sunderland City Council’s Public Health team and Sustainability Team and Sunderland College.
This year’s Sunderland Young Achievers’ Awards also featured outstanding performances from Castle View School Choir, Northern Daughters, Greenhaff Dance School, Isabella Senior and students from Arts North Studios, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of young people across the city.
For more details on the awards and the full list of winners, see: Sunderland Young Achievers’ Awards – Together for Children
