Celebrating success at the Stephenson Awards
Over 150 years ago, Reverend Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson found two boys living rough under the arches of Waterloo Station.
Instead of walking by, he stopped to listen to their stories and worked out how he could help. His compassion led to the creation of the National Children’s Home – the beginnings of Action for Children.
We're couldn't be prouder of our history
Each year, in memory of his kindness, we celebrate the people who help us deliver safe and happy childhoods across the UK. We do this through our internal awards, The Stephenson Awards.
What are the Stephenson Awards?
The Stephenson Awards recognise the work of our amazing supporters, volunteers, carers, and staff members, and the achievements of the children, young people, and families we support.
So that we can acknowledge as many of the amazing people we work with as possible, we have several award categories.
We're always looking for talented people
The Stephenson Awards categories:
Young Shining Star
To recognise the achievements of a child or young person who has made positive progress through their own determination and support from Action for Children.
Young Person's Choice
To recognise the support given to a child or young person. Nominations for this award must be made by a child or young person.
The Walter Tull Award
To recognise those who champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across Action for Children. This might be in their day-to-day role, through their involvement in networks or projects, or by setting an example for others.
Employee Excellence
To recognise the achievements of employees from anywhere in the organisation.
Outstanding Volunteer
To recognise those who volunteer their time to support Action for Children.
Inspirational Caregiver
To recognise those who change lives by fostering or adopting with Action for Children.
Supporter Achievement
To recognise all supporters of Action for Children, including individuals and groups.
Service of the Year
To recognise the outstanding performance of an Action for Children service during the past year.
We’ll also be recognising all our long service staff who’ve devoted 20, 25, and 30 years to Action for Children. One of our incredible young people will win an extra-special Chair’s Award. And we’ll present one of our key corporate supporters our Outstanding Corporate Partnership Award.
This year we received an incredible 295 submissions from people across Action for Children, which were longlisted then shortlisted by diverse panels of judges.
All award winners and their nominators have been invited to a special awards ceremony in London on Tuesday 18 June, to celebrate their achievement.
They’ll enjoy a sparkling reception, delicious two-course lunch, and will be invited on stage to accept their award from journalist, news reporter, television host and notable British media personality, Dermot Murnaghan. To help capture the excitement of the day is a Magic Mirror Photo Booth, courtesy of Booths of London.
We can’t wait to celebrate at yet another year of the Stephenson Awards and acknowledge the dedication and achievements of so many of our supporters, colleagues, and young people.
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