Stephenson Awards 2026
Thank you for coming to our 2026 Stephenson Awards!
The Stephenson Awards celebrate the shining stars in the Action for Children family
If you have any questions about the Stephenson Awards please email [email protected].
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
We recognise 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
This category celebrates the difference made by employees working anywhere across Action for Children. Colleagues from all parts of the organisation are eligible to be nominated, and the awards can be given to individuals or whole teams.
This category includes a number of sub-categories, and you'll be asked to select the area of the organisation where your nominee works.
Inspirational Caregiver
To recognise those who change lives by fostering with Action for Children. Any foster carer or carers 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.
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.
The 2026 event has taken place - thank you for coming!
On Tuesday 16th June, we welcomed our fantastic Stephenson Awards winners to a special ceremony in London. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements, hear their incredible stories, and come together with our Action for Children family.
Our 2026 winners are:
Young Shining Star Award:
Chan, Gemma, Hibrey, Joel, Meghan, Nicola, Xavier
Young Person's Choice Award:
Tilly Nelligan and the Tan y Bryn Staff Team
Walter Tull Award:
Kim Pouch and Kerry Whiting
Employee Excellence Award:
Casey Bingham, Jennifer Hamilton, Donna Macdonald, Grace Machala, Olivia Pickles and The Influencing Team
Inspirational Caregiver Award:
Tracy and Wesley Cayenne, Kate and Andrew Rainey
Outstanding Volunteer Award:
Sandra Hood and Georgia Sullivan
Supporter Achievement Award:
Chris Shaw and Martha Kearney CBE, David Stabler
Service of the Year Award:
Flintshire Family Project and North Lanarkshire Young Carers
Congratulations also goes to our Long Service Staff, who celebrated 20, 25, 30, and 35 years at the 2026 Stephenson Awards.
It was so special to receive an award and come to London for the day.
Young Achiever 2020
