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.
If you know a young person or a group who you think deserves to be recognised for their contribution to youth voice in Sunderland complete a nomination form here by Friday 31st January 2025.
Change Council are a group of young people, split into two age ranges 12-15 and 16-25. They work within their groups, and sometimes as one large group to improve services for children and young people who are cared for, or care experienced in Sunderland. The group raise awareness of the issues faced by cared for and care experienced young people in Sunderland and ensure their voices are heard.
The group have done a lot of work over the last year which has amplified ed the voice of young people in Sunderland. They were instrumental in having Sunderland City Council be the best in the North East to voluntarily make 'care experience' a protected characteristic and call upon its partners to do the same.
Winner Lincoln Conlin
Lincoln has faced so much adversity in his life, but with the support of his foster carer he has progressed into an outstanding and influential young person who is supportive to others. Lincoln is someone that is easy to talk to, can recognise challenges for care experienced young people, but rather than dwell upon this he will consider and reflect to motivate change. This has not always been an easy journey for Lincoln and reflecting on his own life events means he will speak about his own lived experiences.
Having been invited to Westminster to share his experiences of being cared for, Lincoln also appeared on a BBC Radio 4 documentary about children living in care. Lincoln is a polite and articulate young man with a bright future.
