Flourish Awards 2024 celebrates exceptional contributions to children and young people in Norfolk

Wednesday's Flourish Awards ceremony celebrated and recognised individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions across the county, as part of our shared ambition that Norfolk is a place where all children and young people can flourish.

The awards evening was a fantastic event, hosted and compered by young people at the RNAA's showground, with over 150 guests, joined by nearly 100 children and young people performing, including the Echoes of the East choir, Karolina Reutaite and Tom Arbin.

Sara Tough, chair of the Children and Young People Strategic Alliance who organised the awards, said: "We are thrilled to honour these exceptional individuals and organisations who are helping the children and young people in Norfolk flourish. From innovative educational programmes to outstanding support services, the work being done across Norfolk is nothing short of extraordinary.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Your commitment to making a difference is inspiring. I am proud to be part of a community that values and supports the wellbeing and development of its youngest members."

Councillor Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for Children's Services, said: "I am truly delighted to have attended the Flourish Awards 2024, an event that shines a spotlight on the outstanding contributions made to the lives of children and young people in Norfolk. This evening has been a celebration of the incredible dedication and compassion demonstrated by individuals and organisations across our community."

Cllr Kay Mason Billig, Leader of the Council, said: "The Flourish Awards has already grown so much in its second year. As we look to the future, let us continue to build on the successes we have celebrated tonight. By fostering environments where every child and young person can flourish, we can ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

"Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this evening such a memorable occasion, and to all those who continue to champion the cause of children and young people in Norfolk."

This year, the Flourish Awards received more than 400 nominations for 222 different people, teams or projects, drawn from Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises (VCSE) organisations and groups, schools, statutory organisations including health, education, criminal justice and local authorities, and local businesses.

Eight winners were announced across the flourish categories, with 16 others celebrated as finalists. Winners were selected by a panel of children and young people drawn from Norfolk's Youth Advisory Boards, SEND Youth Forum, Young Carers Forum, In Care Council, Matthew Project Unity Forum and parents/carers from the Parent & Carer Panel and Family Voice Norfolk.

This year's awards recognised outstanding achievements across various categories. The full list of winner and finalists is:

Family and Friends Award

Winner: The Bread Kitchen
Finalist: Jade Smith - Early Childhood and Family Service (Action for Children)
Finalist: NR5 Community Hub

Learning Award

Winner: School and Communities Team - Norfolk County Council
Finalist: Jessica Morgan - Snettisham Primary School
Finalist: Gemma Burton - City College Norwich

Opportunity Award

Winner: Everyone Has the Right to Play - YABs
Finalist: Hunstanton Fire Cadets
Finalist: Open Road West Norfolk

Understood Award

Winner: Norfolk In Care Council - Norfolk County Council
Finalist: Claire Rogers - Caring Together
Finalist: Anna Zarema - Break Charity

Resilience Award

Winner: Exploitation Campaign - City College Norwich
Finalist: Norwich Choi Kwang Do
Finalist: Kirsty Holdsworth - Harbour Centre

Individual Award

Winner: No Limit's Norfolk
Finalist: Norfolk SEND Forum
Finalist: Leahanna Harry - Stalham High School

Safe and Secure Award

Winner: Norfolk Independent Visitors Service - Coram Voice
Finalist: Heart & Home - The Benjamin Foundation
Finalist: Home Start Norfolk

Healthy Award

Winner: Happy Smiles Club - John G Plummer Dental
Finalist: The Lighthouse Service
Finalist: Able2B

The awards ceremony was supported by Norse Group, Norwich Theatre, Big Sky Creative LTD, New U and the Royal Norfolk Agriculture Association.

Sponsorship for each of the awards was kindly provided by Tarmac, Adrian Flux, The UEA's Niche Anchor Institute, Big Sky Creative, the Royal Norfolk Agriculture Association, Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk and the UEA's School of Social Work.