National Award Finalists!

We are thrilled to announce that YLF’s incredible Advocacy Team has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Children and Young People Now Awards 2025 – the UK’s most prestigious celebration of outstanding work in children’s services!

Now in their 20th year, these awards honour innovation and excellence across 24 categories, with nominations coming from agencies, charities, and local authorities all over the country. This year, our Advocacy Team has been recognised in the highly competitive ‘Advice and Guidance’ category. A huge achievement given the exceptional calibre of nominees nationwide.

Our advocates are a powerhouse of skill, compassion, and determination. Every day, they stand beside young people across Kent and Medway, ensuring their voices are heard, their rights are upheld, and their needs are met. Even in a year of record-breaking referrals, the team has risen to the challenge; adapting services, innovating, and never losing sight of the individual young person behind each case.

One pressing issue they’ve tackled head-on is the high number of 16 and 17 year olds at risk of homelessness. Not only do our advocates provide direct support during Joint Assessments, but they’ve also created clear, accessible resources to help young people understand the process and their rights. This includes new pages on our website, a powerful video co-created with Midkent College students, and an awareness campaign rolling out to schools and colleges this autumn to help reach those who need it most.

This nomination isn’t just about a project or a moment. It’s about a team who live and breathe advocacy, who innovate to meet growing need, and who never stop fighting for the voices of young people to be heard.

We couldn’t be more proud that the teams passion and dedication have been recognised on a national stage. The team will be heading to London on 20th November for the awards ceremony, and whatever the outcome, we’ll be celebrating an incredible achievement!

Well done YLF Advocacy Team – you’re already winners in our eyes!