Cheltenham’s first ever community showcase is being hosted by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) this year at Cheltenham Town Hall from 4pm to 7pm on 30 January, in association with Punchline-Gloucester.com.
The event launches NCLB’s Year of Youth Action, following the findings from the recent Cheltenham young people’s report ‘In their own words’. Research, carried out by Junior Smart OBE, founder of the founder of the SOS project at St Giles Trust, on behalf of NCLB, gathered views of 578 young people across Cheltenham to provide a valuable insight into the reality of being a young person growing up in the borough today.
The event, led by Cllr Paul Baker, Cheltenham’s mayor, aims to take guests on a journey to understand the issues faced by young people growing up in Cheltenham, the work that is being carried out to combat them, and how they can become more involved in supporting their communities.
Mark Owen, editor and owner of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: “When most people think of Cheltenham, they think of horseracing, festivals, shopping and fine dining – the reality for many people living on the outskirts it is very different. Cheltenham has some of the most deprived areas within the country, with many children living in poverty and having a tough upbringing.
He added: “The good news is, is that there are many fantastic organisations trying their best to help and a council that is engaged. I’m proud that Punchline-gloucester.com is playing a small part to try and help these kids and their carers – to show them that they are not forgotten and that we, do care. I’d call on the wider business community to come along to the event and see if they can help too – together we can make a difference.”
Guest speakers for the night include Tony Larner, executive head teacher at The Federation of Oakwood and Gardners Lane Primary Schools and The Aspire Foundation; Junior Smart OBE, founder of the SOS project at the St Giles Trust; and Cllr Victoria Atherstone (Cabinet member for safety and communities.
They will be joined by young people from The Rock and The Young Women’s Voice Group, with performances from Cheltenham Children’s Choir, All Saints Academy, Lakeside Primary School and Belmont School.
Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “Our first ever showcase event will bring together the voices of our fabulous young people, the dedicated organisations that support them and our business community committed to supporting our collective on-going efforts, so every child in Cheltenham feels listened to and supported.
“I’m excited to speak at the event and to hear firsthand from our young people about their experiences in our town. 2025 will provide an even greater opportunity for local organisations signed up to our NCLB community agreement to ask, listen and act on the views of our next generation supporting our Year of Youth Action.”
Junior Smart OBE, founder of the SOS project at the St Giles Trust, said: “I’m looking forward to hearing from local businesses on their plans to support Cheltenham’s young people during this year of action. The research carried out by the trust highlighted issues around young people’s perception of safety and their ability to have their voice heard. These themes will be addressed throughout the ‘Year of Youth Action’. I’d like to encourage everyone to take a look at the year of action plan and get involved where they can. Working together really does make a difference.”
NCLB partners such as Move More, The Rock, Cheltenham Animal Shelter, Springbank Community Group, Aspire Foundation, YMCA Family Space, Cheltenham Town Community Trust and Be a Good Neighbour will be running exciting activities in the interval, alongside the young people who engage in their provision, to showcase the fantastic work they are doing to support some of our most vulnerable communities, and to network with other organisations in attendance to better support each other and the young people they work with.
If you are interested in attending the event, you can book a space online at https://nclbcheltenham.org.uk/nclb-community-showcase-2025.
Keep up to date with all the latest NCLB Showcase announcements, follow No Child Left Behind on Facebook and X @NCLBchelt #NCLBShowcase2025.
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Notes:
The research found that only 18 per cent of young people felt opinions are valued by adults and professionals. In response to this, the NCLB partnership will place a greater emphasis on youth voice for the next 12 months, working alongside young people to improve the town in a way that benefits them.
The year of action will be focussed on the following themes: community safety, digital literacy and safety, engagement and inclusion, recreation and mental health.
