Stephenson Awards 2025
Our Stephenson's Awards are back on Monday 23 June
The Stephenson Awards celebrate the shining stars in the Action for Children family
Over 150 years ago, The Reverend Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson saw some children living rough under the arches of Waterloo Station. Instead of walking by, he stopped to listen to their stories. Then he worked out the most practical way to help, leading to the creation of the National Children’s Home – the beginnings of Action for Children.
Each year, in memory of that life-changing kindness, we celebrate the people who help us deliver safe and happy childhoods.
The Stephenson Awards recognise the work of our amazing supporters, volunteers, carer, and staff members, and the achievements of the children, young people, and families we support. We also recognise staff who have reached long service milestones at Action for Children.
I left with a full heart and even prouder to be a part of the Action for Children family.
Event attendee, 2022
Anyone can nominate, anyone can win. Whether you work for Action for Children or not, you can submit a nomination.
There'll be lots of winners – from hard-working staff and superstar volunteers, to courageous young people, dedicated supporters, loving carers and many more. Just take a look at our varied award categories.
Award 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. All beneficiaries of Action for Children under the age of 25 are eligible to receive this award.
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 – with help from a parent, carer, member of staff or volunteer if needed. Anyone is eligible to receive this award.
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. This award has sub-categories, and you’ll have the chance to select which area of the organisation your nominee works in. Any Action for Children staff member is eligible to receive these awards – and they can go to individuals or whole teams.
Inspirational Caregiver
To recognise those who change lives by fostering or adopting with Action for Children. Any foster carer/s or adoptive parent/s are eligible to receive this award.
Outstanding Volunteer
To recognise those who volunteer their time to support Action for Children. Any volunteer is eligible to receive this award, and it can be an individual or a group. Volunteers can be service-based, field-based or office-based.
The minimum age for Action for Children volunteers is 14, but if you would like to recognise someone who is younger than this, please contact [email protected].
Supporter Achievement
To recognise all supporters of Action for Children, including individuals and groups. Any supporter/supporting group is eligible to receive this award. Examples include event committees, campaigners, Methodists, Action Squads, event participants and more.
Service of the Year
To recognise the outstanding performance of a service during the past year. Any Action for Children service is eligible to receive this award.
Nominations will be longlisted and then passed on to a diverse panel of judges. From staff and supporters to Young Ambassadors and foster carers, we've have a varied panel to decide on the final shortlist.
Award winners will be invited to a ceremony in London in June 2025.
If your nominee is successful, we'll be in touch to let you know.
It was so special to receive an award and come to London for the day.
Young Achiever 2020
If you have any questions about the Stephenson Awards or the nomination process, please email [email protected].
