Nominations are now open for the awards celebrating the people and organisations that make Cheltenham a better place for children.

Cheltenham's No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Awards 2023 are open to every organisation, group or service that can demonstrate how it has made a difference to children, young people and families in Cheltenham in 2023, especially those living in poverty or facing hardship.

Organisations can be nominated in one of 12 categories, including #EarlyYears, #StrongRelationships and #YoungAdults - all new categories for this year.

Organisers want to celebrate the work to support children with getting a good start in life, helping them develop a solid support network and equipping them with the skills needed to negotiate adult life.

Cllr Flo Clucas, member for safety and communities at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "So many organisations are working day in, day out to support local children, young people and their families and I'm proud that our awards help recognise that. These continue to be tough times and it is right that we take time out to acknowledge and celebrate their dedication and commitment.

"I'm delighted with the new categories, which reflect some really important issues across our town and I'm looking forward to seeing who wins at the NCLB awards in February.

"I'm also incredibly grateful to The Cheltenham Trust and Punchline-Gloucester.com, who are once again very kindly supporting the awards."

The award ceremony is being hosted by venue sponsor, The Cheltenham Trust, at Cheltenham Town Hall on February 1, 2024, and the awards are again being brought to Cheltenham in association with Punchline-Gloucester.com.

The award categories celebrate how organisations and projects have adapted to some of the big issues facing the town and its children and families.

Nominations can be submitted online on the council's website. The categories are:

• #OurTown - Understanding how child poverty affects Cheltenham and taking action to combat it.

• #GoodMentalHealth - Helping children, young people and families to improve their mental health.

• #EarlyYears - Supporting children aged 0-5yrs to develop and grow in a healthy and happy environment.

• #StrongRelationships - Understanding the importance of good relationships to build happy and resilient individuals.

• #PhysicallyActive - Encouraging children, young people and families across the town to get moving.

• #FunandFulfilment - Helping children and young people to find their strengths and passions.

• #GoingGreen - Working to improve the environment by making eco-friendly and sustainable changes and encouraging others to do the same.

• #FutureLeaders - Giving children and young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and to become leaders.

• #InspiringLearning - Supporting children and young people to develop a love of learning beyond the classroom.

• #BusinessForChange - Celebrating local businesses that support children and young people to thrive.

• #InclusionWorks - Unlocking the potential of all our children and young people.

• #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.

Mark Owen, editor of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: "We are incredibly proud to be involved with the NCLB Awards again. Last year was an amazing event and it was fantastic that so many organisations received a huge well deserved thank you, as they continue to do incredible work in the community.

"I was blown away by the support of so many brilliant and caring companies sponsoring the category awards. A big thanks to these wonderful organisations who have stepped up to help make this one of the highlights of the calendar year, not just for the kids, but for all of us as well."

There are just four weeks to get nominations in. The deadline for award nominations is 5pm on Monday November 6.

All images credit: Mikal Ludlow