ABOUT THE CATEGORY: 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.
Find out more about our 2026 winners below.
Winner: Daisy May Knight
Daisy deserves recognition for her compassion, maturity and the powerful way she uses her voice to support bereaved siblings through the group she created, Siblings of Stars. Motivated by her own experience of losing her brother, Daisy recognised that many children who lose a brother or sister feel overlooked, expected to stay strong while their grief goes unnoticed. Wanting to change this, she transformed her personal loss into a safe, supportive space for others.
Founded in 2025 and delivered in partnership with 4Louis, Siblings of Stars offers monthly sessions where children can talk, play, create and remember without judgement. Daisy has helped shape the group into a place where grief is understood, comfort is shared and moments of joy are welcomed. She has also built strong links with local charities and businesses, sourcing books and resources so every child feels valued.
Daisy's advocacy extends beyond the group. She uses her social platforms to raise awareness of sibling bereavement, sharing honest reflections that help others feel seen and understood.
Creating this group required courage, vulnerability and emotional strength and Daisy is building something meaningful, heartfelt and deeply needed. Her work ensures bereaved siblings are no longer invisible.
Highly commended: Trinity Academy Stars
Since March 2025, learners at Trinity Academy have been working in partnership with Together for Children to redesign the Child View document used in Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) reviews, making it clearer, more accessible and easier for young people to understand. The team reviewed the entire document, simplifying language and exploring how colour and visuals could help young people feel more confident and engaged when sharing their views.
Over six months, the Stars met regularly with their Student Voice Lead and the Participation & Engagement SEND Lead from Social Care - Practice Development. Their lived experience and thoughtful feedback shaped meaningful improvements. When the updated document was trialled in school, the fi rst learner to use it independently said he fi nally felt like his voice mattered and found the new layout simple to follow. The wider Student Council shared similar enthusiasm.
Their work has already drawn interest from educational professionals who are exploring how the redesigned document could support young people not currently attending school.
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.
