This event, hosted at and sponsored by the Hilton Bristol Hotel, was the first of its kind in our marvellous city, and what an event it was! With every seat taken by a mixture of teachers, business owners, friends of UV and the fabulous young people themselves, it was set to be a busy and joyous evening.

Framed with a variety of high energy performances and key note speakers, we were thrilled to award young people for their many different achievements and triumphs. (Please see below for full listing of award winners and their sponsors).

It can often be challenging to explain to those who are not in our immediate professional circle exactly what Unique Voice does on a day to day basis, but with the help of local professionals and some fabulous narrators our messages were conveyed with easy clarity.

Thank you to the fantastic sponsors of the ‘Celebrating Young People Awards 2014’…

We have enormous respect for the work that you do in supporting young people who are facing difficult and challenging situations as part of their daily routines. We have no doubt that you literally change children’s lives through offering them alternative perceptions with a range of possible solutions to help them decide their own futures. Those who attended this remarkable event will remember it for many years to come, those who were given awards will always cherish the memory.                                                                                          

The event was supported by and hosted at the Hilton Bristol Hotel who made our night one to remember. They were a wonderful, helpful and attentive team of people, who ensured the event ran smoothly and efficiently. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough if you were planning to host your own event! They awarded Shayla Mae from Glenfrome Primary with the ‘Shining Star’ Award, her wonderful manner and positive influence has a huge impact in every way.

Bishopston Voice were our main press sponsors, doing a simply outstanding job of marketing our award sponsors and the event. With such a friendly and reliable team, the Bishopston Voice really do work spreading news for the better of our community. They awarded Skye Louise Lyons for the ‘Educating Others’ Award, for her dedication to help other young people learn about right and wrong, whilst being a strong and feisty friend.

The children and young people couldn’t have travelled to the event without the sponsorship of Bristol Community Transport. Their kind sponsorship allowed those talented children to travel safely and comfortably from across the city. They awarded the Baranardos Children of Prisoners group with ‘The Voice of the Community Award’ for their courage and commitment to help other children in their position for the future.

The Remarkable Young People Award was hosted by Price Systems, for ‘Outstanding Achievement’. These children have blown us away by their dedication and noticeable effort to achieve.

Bryan Stone awarded Molly Harvey from Cheddar Grove Primary with our ‘One to Watch’ award. For always putting in 100% and bring such a wonderful vibe to her friendship group.

Anyone who attended the event would have, of course, recognised the comic genius of Usmand from Fairfield High School. The Real Ideas Organisation awarded him the ‘Aspiring Young Person Award’ which was truly deserved as he has such huge determination and positivity to succeed.

Café Ronak awarded Poppy from Perry Court Primary School the ‘Inspiring Others Award’ who is so deserving due to her delightful enthusiasm and really wonderful creative ideas.

Our super narrator and inspirational young person Vinnie from Fairfield was awarded the ‘Making a Difference Award’ which was truly deserved as he really does makes a huge positive impact on those around him.

Ben Thorne from Cheddar Grove Primary School was awarded the innovative thinker of the year award by The Fluent Self. He is truly a delight to teach and really does have an inspiring outlook on life.

And finally, Langrige Films awarded our ‘Digital Champion Of The Year’ Award to Matthew Speight from Orchard School. Matt is incredibly ambitious, developing his own App to help stop bullying, actively participating in national company prototypes to help improve online services and to top it all off, contributing to a website to tackle online safety and bullying within his own school. An extremely inspiring young man, whom we are sure will continue to strive for greatness.

We were truly overwhelmed by the support for the Celebrating Young People Awards 2014, and overjoyed with its residing success. We hope that we can continue our work with young people for years to come, so to find out more about how you can help this to happen please feel free to contact Unique Voice.

Such an amazing night with unique voice. All the children supporting each other, inspirational children who have coped with many challenges and they still smile, come to school and help others. Real action with real measurable results. So, forget about buying chocolates for people this Christmas – donate the money to unique voice and achieve great things.

(Dr Linda Newnes, Head of Costing Research, University of Bath)

I was overwhelmed by the ability and application of the young people taking part in this event, their honestly, courage and comedy made the evening fly by and visibly moved those who were fortunate enough to attend. After presenting awards to several of the students of Notton House School I spent a few moments with Jon Houston, Deputy Head of Notton House School, and he told me a little about the troubled young people he works with.  Every student had a back story that would break most parents hearts, students are referred here when all else fails. Jons professional view regarding the difference working with Unique voice has made for each individual in his school leaves me a little bewildered as to the fact that funding for Unique voice to engage in this work is not forthcoming, this is a tragedy and needs urgent action to ensure continuity.  If your organisation can help fund this key activity please contact the unique voice team.    We are looking forward to supporting Unique Voice at next year’s awards – well done all.