The business community was out in force last night (February 1) to see 24 sensational finalists and 12 winners celebrated at the No Child Left Behind Awards at Cheltenham Town Hall.

Punchline-Gloucester.com was very proud to be supporting the event for the third consecutive year.

Over 300 guests, including Cheltenham's children, young people and their families along with organisations and sponsors, enjoyed an exciting evening of winner announcements and entertainment from singer and entertainer Camilla Lewington and Magnificent Mr Kai.

The evening celebrated the achievements of Cheltenham's exceptional organisations, which work towards long-term change, addressing inequalities and offering support.

The awards cover a wide range of issues including: family support; physical and mental health; inclusivity; environmental projects; digital innovation; and business support. This year the awards included three new categories: Early Years; Strong Relationships; and Young Adults.

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for communities and safety at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "No words can say how proud I am of everyone who has given their time, effort and sponsorship to No Child Left Behind - my thanks to all of you.

"The awards have brought together Cheltenham's inspirational organisations, and we celebrated the efforts of 2023 in our communities to change the life chances of the town's most disadvantaged children.

"Thank you for being here and for your support of children and young people across our town. There is nowhere else that supports our children and young people as you do. From fee sporting activities and skating to laptops to help in schools to Christmas fun and gifts and the love that is shown by all of you."

More than 90 organisations have now signed Cheltenham Borough Council's Community Agreement to take a whole town approach to combating child poverty.

Cllr Clucas continued: "Congratulations to all the winners, Cheltenham should be proud of every project, organisation and person involved, as they make an enormous difference to young lives.

"The awards wouldn't be possible without the generous support of businesses, made possible by our media partner, Punchline-Gloucester.com. A huge thank you to all sponsors, especially Infrastar, The Cheltenham Trust, which provided the iconic Cheltenham Town Hall, and Production AV with Sorted Global, which supplied our audio-visual equipment.''

Exciting music and drama performances were given by Lakeside Primary School and Pittville School. Guests also enjoyed a fun zone of games and activities provided by All About Fun UK.com.

Cllr Matt Babbage, Mayor of Cheltenham and NCLB Awards judge, said: "What an unforgettable and inspirational evening from start to finish! As a shortlisting judge, I can honestly say that it was a pleasure to read through the entries and learn more about the fantastic community spirit and great work that has been done in Cheltenham over the past year. My congratulations to all finalists and the NCLB award winners."

The NCLB Awards 2023 winners:

• #OurTown - understanding what child poverty is and how it affects our town. Winner - Gloucestershire Learning Alliance Sponsored by Spirax Sarco Engineering PLC 
• #GoodMentalHealth - helping children, young people and families to improve their mental health. Winner - Every Cloud Play and Creative Arts Therapy Sponsored by Creed Foodservice 
• #EarlyYears - supporting children from 0-5yrs to develop and grow in a healthy and happy environment. Winner - Aspire Foundation Early Years Sponsored by SAND Academies Trust 
• #StrongRelationships - understanding the importance of good relationships to build happy and resilient individuals. Winner - Springbank Community Group Sponsored by Punchline-Gloucester.com
• #PhysicallyActive - Encouraging children, young people and families across the town to get moving. Winner - Move More Sponsored by Brickhampton Court Golf Complex 
• #FunandFulfilment - helping children and young people to find their strengths and passions. Winner - Cheltenham Children's Choir Sponsored by Incito Holdings Ltd - Gloucestershire McDonald's franchise 
• #GoingGreen - working to improve the environment by making eco-friendly and sustainable changes and encouraging others to do the same. Winner - Cheltenham Borough Homes - Wild and Green Sponsored by Cheltenham Borough Council 
• #FutureLeaders - giving children and young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and to become leaders. Winner - The Rock - Young Leadership Programme Sponsored by Randall & Payne 
• #InspiringLearning - supporting children and young people to develop a love of learning beyond the classroom. Winner - Let's Cook with Josie CIC Sponsored by Hartpury University and College 
• #BusinessForChange - celebrating local businesses that support children and young people to thrive. Winner - School House Café - Fresh Hope Sponsored by Infrastar 
• #InclusionWorks - unlocking the potential of all our children and young people. Winner - Goals Beyond Grass Sponsored by Renishaw 
• #YoungAdults - supporting young people to make a successful transition into adulthood by equipping them with the relevant skills and knowledge to make positive life choices. Winner - The HALT Project - Cheltenham Animal Shelter Sponsored by Cheltenham BID 

There was also a special NCLB Champion award presented to Charles Welsh, a former headteacher, who was a founding member of No Child Left Behind.

Presenting the award, Cllr Flo Clucas said: "He has been working in school leadership roles since 1982, has led countless initiatives and improved partnership working across Cheltenham. The commitment shown to improving the lives of children, young people and families has been outstanding."

Kay Tibbles, Every Cloud Play and Arts Therapy, said: "We're thrilled to have won, we work hard to provide a safe, secure and playful space for children and young people who have experienced trauma, to process and heal. We also deliver training in schools to help staff see children in a different way and support them with compassion.

"It's wonderful to receive this award and it will be proudly displayed at our new larger premises in the town, where we're able to support more young people and families to have good mental health.''

Mark Owen, editor of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: "It was a fantastic event with such a great vibe, good food and a great atmosphere, with everyone having a brilliant time. To me, everybody there was a winner.

"The kids performing sung their hearts out - they were so enthusiastic. If enthusiasm was enough to get you through life, these kids have got it made. And it was fantastic to see all these wonderful companies and organisations who support them being rewarded for it.

"Big congratulations to Cheltenham Borough Council for pulling off the event and a huge thank you to all the sponsors for helping to make it happen."

To find out more about No Child Left Behind, the community agreement, workshops or events, contact No Child Left Behind on Facebook and Twitter  or visit nochildleftbehind@cheltenham.gov.uk.