Cumberland's inspiring young people are set to be recognised through a brand-new awards scheme celebrating achievement, resilience and community contribution.
The Flying High Awards, launched by Cumberland Council, will honour children and young people aged 8 to 25 who are making a positive difference in their communities, overcoming challenges or helping shape the future of Cumberland.
Young people from Cumberland Youth Voice groups have played an important role in shaping and developing the awards, helping to make sure they reflect the experiences, strengths and achievements of young people across Cumberland.
The awards aim to shine a spotlight on young people whose efforts often go unnoticed, from young carers supporting their families and volunteers helping their communities, to young people overcoming personal challenges or achieving success in education, sport and the arts.
Nominations are open from 1 July 2026 until 31 July 2026. People can nominate a young person in a range of categories, including creativity, learning, young carers, music, sport and fitness, health and wellbeing, community impact, personal growth, environmental action, mental health advocacy and youth voice.
Nominations are welcome from anyone who knows a young person making a positive difference, including parents, carers, schools, youth organisations, community groups and young people themselves.
After nominations close, a judging panel will review anonymised nominations and select finalists and winners. The awards event is planned for September 2026, where finalists and winners will be celebrated.
The awards form part of Cumberland Council's commitment to recognising young people's achievements and ensuring their voices help shape local services and communities.
Councillor Emma Williamson, Executive Member for Children and Family Wellbeing, said:
“Cumberland is home to so many talented, thoughtful and determined young people. The Flying High Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what they are achieving, whether that is through learning, creativity, caring for others, sport, community action or speaking up for change.
“We want young people from all backgrounds and all parts of Cumberland to be recognised. If you know a young person who deserves to be celebrated, please take the time to nominate them.”
Martin Birch, Director of Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council, said:
“These awards have been shaped with young people, for young people. That matters, because it helps us recognise the achievements that young people themselves value, as well as the difference they make in their families, schools, groups and communities.
“The Flying High Awards are about celebrating effort, progress, courage and contribution. We hope these awards will help young people feel proud of what they have achieved and inspire others to recognise the young people around them.”
To find out more or to make a nomination, visit the Cumberland Family Hubs website.