Nominations are officially open for the Sunderland Young Achievers’ Awards 2027, inviting the city to celebrate and highlight its most inspiring young people.
Organised by Together for Children, the annual awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of children and young people who are making a positive difference in their communities, overcoming challenges, showing exceptional talent, or helping to shape a better future for the city.
People across Sunderland are now being encouraged to nominate individuals and groups aged 8-18 or aged up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who they think deserve recognition for their achievements.
The awards feature 11 categories recognising achievements across areas including learning, sport, arts and culture, caring, personal growth, mental health and community involvement.
Nominations close on Friday 18 December, with the awards ceremony taking place at the Fire Station on Friday 16 April 2027.
Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Social Mobility, Councillor Carol Giles, said:
The Sunderland Young Achievers' Awards shine a spotlight on some of the incredible things young people are doing in Sunderland. These awards are about celebrating not only talent and achievement, but also qualities like kindness, resilience, determination and willingness to help others.
This is our opportunity to recognise and celebrate our exceptional young people, and I would encourage anyone who knows an individual or group doing something remarkable to put their name forward – being nominated can be a real confidence boost and show young people just how much their achievements are valued.
The Sunderland Young Achievers' Awards have been celebrating the achievements of young people in the city for more than 30 years, with thousands of children and young people recognised since the awards were first launched in 1993.
Sandhill View Deaf Resource Group was crowned Overall Winner at the 2026 awards after impressing judges with its inspirational work to champion deaf culture, British Sign Language and greater inclusion. With confidence, commitment and pride in their deaf identity, the young people became strong advocates for inclusion and accessibility within their school and wider community. Judges praised the group and described them as "thoughtful, courageous and inspiring young ambassadors".
Pupils from The from The Sandhill View Deaf Resources Group said: “We were very happy and excited to win this award, it did not feel real. Going out to deaf events and meeting other deaf people makes us feel excited to be part of the deaf community and has helped us to develop our deaf identity.”
Other winners celebrated in 2026 included Youth Voice Award winner Daisy May Knight, who established a bereavement support group for children following the loss of her brother; Music Award winner Oliver Hughes, who used his passion for drumming to help navigate family challenges; and Young Health and Wellbeing Champion Lola Mae Stephenson, who has raised thousands of pounds and spent countless hours supporting various individuals and charities.
Simon Marshall, Chief Executive of Together for Children and the city's Director of Children's Services, said:
The Sunderland Young Achievers' Awards is always the most special event of the year. It's a real privilege to hear about everything our young people are doing across the city and to bring so many of those incredible stories together for a night filled with celebration, entertainment, fun and pride.
Every nomination tells a story of commitment, courage, determination or compassion. Whether it's a young person supporting others, excelling in education, championing inclusion, caring for a family member or making a positive contribution to their community, these awards recognise achievements that deserve to be celebrated.
The stories of last year's winners demonstrated the remarkable impact young people can have on the lives of others, and I know there are many more inspiring stories waiting to be told, so I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to nominate a young person or group who deserves recognition.
There are 11 award categories, with a winner and highly commended recipient selected in each category. One Overall Winner will then be chosen from all category winners.
The award categories for the 2027 Sunderland Young Achievers' Awards are:
Bringing Communities Together Award
Young Health and Wellbeing Champion
Young Mental Health Champion
Arts and Culture Award
Music Award
Young Carer Award
Youth Voice Award
Young Environmental Champion Award
Achievement in Learning Award
Sport and Physical Activity Award
Personal Growth Award
For more information and to submit a nomination, visit: www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/SYAA
