Time to Shine
A night of sparkle and celebration at the Time to Shine Awards!
Time to Shine Awards lit up Lordswood Leisure Centre!
On Friday 14 November, our annual Time to Shine Awards was a glittering celebration in partnership with Medway Council that honoured our Medway children in care and care leavers.
The venue buzzed with excitement as young people, foster carers, and support staff gathered to celebrate the inspiring achievements of 183 nominees across five uplifting categories:
Bravery, Achievement, Skilful, Resilience, and Inspiration.
Guests were welcomed by YLF’s mascot, Lenny the Lion, before stepping into the transformed Grand Quee Suite—a magical space draped in silk marquee lining and filled with balloons, colourful lights, a lively disco, glitter bar, donut wall, pick ’n’ mix table, and a fun-filled selfie station. Nearby, the smaller Quee Suite offered a calm retreat with a silent disco, craft station, and an immersive VR experience.
The celebration was opened by young people from Medway Children and Young People Council (MCYPC), who warmly welcomed everyone, shared congratulatory videos from sporting stars, and officially unveiled the pizza buffet! The award ceremony began with an inspiring speech from Cassi, Chairperson for MCYPC, who spoke passionately about what the group means to her.
Awards were presented by Kelly Cogger, Assistant Director Medway, and Stephen Gray, YLF CEO, with support from generous event sponsors. Each nominee was invited on stage to receive a certificate, and the room erupted with applause as we heard the remarkable stories behind this year’s 10 award winners.
Just as Director Lee-Anne Farach prepared to close the ceremony, the room was taken by surprise with the arrival of a very special guest. Dame Kelly Holmes, who had already shared a video message, but made a last-minute decision to join the event in person after returning from South Africa. She spoke powerfully about her own experience of being in care, her journey to becoming a double Olympic gold medallist, and urged young people to believe in their dreams. Kelly stayed to chat with attendees and take photos – creating treasured memories for everyone present.
The Time to Shine Awards remain a treasured annual celebration—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honour not only the extraordinary achievements of young people but also the incredible support of foster carers, social workers, PAs, and staff who walk alongside them every day.
The event wouldn’t be possible without sponsorship from local and national businesses, who include; Countrystyle Recycling, Kent Resolution Committee, Hunter Law, Direct Enviro Services, Britannia MOT & Repair Centre, The Village Hotel Maidstone, and Zaan Group t/a Domino’s… Thank you!!!
We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone again in 2026!
