For over a decade, the Kids Count Inspiration Awards have been held in the House of Commons. They recognise, encourage and reward the amazing things young people and the community are doing around the UK.
The pressures and negative press portrayal of young people, prejudice their chances of a healthy, meaningful future with all the pleasures and satisfactions of day to day life, that they deserve. Kids Count are breaking the stereotype and negative light young people are shown in.
It is hard to believe we have already reached the twelfth anniversary of the Kid count Inspiration Awards. During this time, we have been touched and inspired by the numerous stories of dedication and determination against the odds from people across the UK and of all ages. This year proved to be no different. We stood side by side in silent adoration, shared a tear or two as we listened to the personal experiences of others and cheered in unison as we encourage, embrace and engage with the amazing award recipients. It gives me great please to introduce the Kids count Award winners 2019 who Inspired the House and the Nation in their respective categories.
Kids Count Inspiration Awards Winners 2022
Kids Count Most Inspiration Award winner Alice Daykin – Nominated by Katherine House Hospice in Staffordshire.
Alice sadly lost her Mum, Wendy to cancer when she was just 6 years old. After Wendy spent the last few months in Katharine House Hospice, Alice felt she wanted to give something back for everything the hospice had done for her and her family to make that time really special.
Aged just 16 years old and whilst studying for her GCSE exams, Alice took to the road with her partner Josh to cycle the 230 miles from her home in Stafford to Tenby, Wales, her Mum’s ‘special place’ and filled with memories of happy family holidays.
It was a gruelling ride, both physically and emotionally draining but after several days on the road, a familiar seaside sight came into view and they had made it!
Alice’s courage and kindness raised an incredible £4,000 in total which was split between Katharine House Hospice and Cancer Research UK. The money received by the hospice alone will pay for over 130 hours of nursing care meaning many more local people will benefit from the care Wendy and her family experienced.
As Alice said “Just go for it because whatever you do or how much you raise, you’re changing someone’s life. It might be hard, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. It was hard for us but the end point was definitely worth all the struggle of getting there. If you want to do it just go for it”. Inspirational words for us all!
Local MP, Jeremy Lefroy said, “It was an honour to present the award to Alice. What she has done to support the work of Katherine House Hospice in Stafford is outstanding and will make a great difference to many people.”
Kids Count Inspiration Awards – Growing Together Northampton
Growing Together Northampton is delighted to be an award winner at the Kids Count evening. We are a community organisation based on 4 of the poorest estates in the country (lowest 3%).
Long established it opened Blackthorn Good Neighbours Nursery in 2015 to provide spaces for 2-4-year old’s to access their Government funded hours. The Nursery has had a significant impact on the children who attend, 95% of whom make outstanding progress, with a high level of children with special educational needs and safeguarding concerns. Families cope with unemployment, high levels of domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, mental ill health and generally people have complicated lives and relationships.
The Nursery has become a beacon for local people of all ages, whether it’s to access the CAB sessions offered, to join in informal support groups like the craft group or to talk to staff. In addition, we offer activities to the wider community and encourage inclusion; this summer we have ensured that the most vulnerable families have had free activities at least twice a week including a weekly free lunch for over 80 children.
The Nursery has been set up and led by Hayley Walker who is passionate about giving young children a good start in life.