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
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
