For those who have amplified the voice of young people across the city by speaking about key issues, co-producing projects or advocating for meaningful change. This can be an individual or group who show a real passion campaigning for the voice of children and young people to be heard. The recipient demonstrates courage, creativity, and commitment to speaking out on causes they are passionate about, whether through activism, storytelling, public speaking, art, or other forms of expression. They show how young voices can challenge norms, spark conversations, and lead movements that shape a brighter, more inclusive future. The award celebrates their ability to empower others and make and impact and drive for change.
Winner Speak Up Group Hetton Academy
The Speak Up Group at Hetton Academy embodies the values of the Youth Voice Award: courage, creativity, and commitment to young voices in Sunderland. Meeting weekly, Year 10 students co-create artistic projects addressing key issues in their lives and community, collaborating with local artists to explore identity, voice opinions, and advocate for change.
Speak Up, a National Theatre programme, encourages artistic responses to important issues. Since 2021, it has engaged over 150 young people across five secondary schools in Sunderland. Hetton Academy pupils have created animations for Trans Awareness Week, artworks on online safety, and films on fairness and equality. Their podcasts discuss local and political issues, providing a platform for young voices.
Recently, the group explored their Coalfields heritage through collage and visual art, challenging the narrative of being defined by the past. They ask, "What will we be remembered for?" Many participants now sit on the national Speak Up council and their school council, feeling valued and heard.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness praised their engagement with issues like online safety and mental health. The Hetton Academy Speak Up Group has sparked meaningful conversations, demonstrating the power of young voices to bring positive change through art and activism.
Highly commended: Jessica Dowding
Jess moved into the Supported Lodgings scheme at 18 after becoming homeless. During her time there, she secured a Health Care Assistant apprenticeship with the NHS, balancing shifts on hospital wards with her learning. Through determination and resilience, Jess developed her independent living skills while managing her own space.
While in supported lodgings, Jess applied for a youth researcher role with the National Supported Lodgings Network, run by the charity Home for Good. She was one of four young people accepted to create a research project capturing feedback from young people in supported lodgings nationwide. Jess presented the research outcomes to Ofsted and Parliament and will deliver further training at conferences in Manchester and London.
Jess's research has been invaluable for services providing supported lodgings, ensuring young people's voices are heard and raising awareness about supported lodgings. Her efforts led to a 'National Supported Lodgings' media week.
Despite working full-time and completing her apprenticeship, Jess attended all meetings and events, learning to live independently and her achievements are reflective of her spirit and deserving of recognition.
This award is sponsored by The Sunderland Safeguarding Children Partnership
The Sunderland Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) is "A partnership driven by learning and reflection, working together with families to safeguard Sunderland's children and make a difference".
The SSCP coordinates arrangements to help keep children safe, making sure that the voice and views of the child are front and centre of everything we do.
Keeping children safe is everyone's business, and to make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families, requires the professionals and organisations that come into contact with them, to work together effectively. Some of the key organisations that form the SSCP are Sunderland City Council, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Northumbria Police, Together for Children, NHS Services, Education, Gentoo, Probation, and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises.
