Wednesday 4th December 2024
The Mighty Creatives (TMC), a youth-led charity which exists to make social justice a reality for young people aged five to 25 through arts, culture and creativity, has won a national award at the Children and Young People Now Awards. It was one of 26 winners chosen from a shortlist of 116 finalists announced at a ceremony in London on the 28th November following more than 500 entries across all award categories.
TMC won ‘The Arts and Culture Award’ for its Creative Mentoring service, a tried-and-tested model of one-to-one creative intervention based on a person-centred approach and informed by the principles of social pedagogy. The award category sought to recognise the initiative which had done the most to inspire young people in arts and cultural activities, particularly amongst disadvantaged groups, and where collaboration was shown between public services, the cultural sector and young people.
The charity had responded to a 54% rise in referrals between April 2023 and May 2024 and adapted to reach a growing diversity of young people in need of the service’s support, including those who are care experienced, Separated Children (also known as Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children) and young people referred to Prevent services.
Dr Nick Owen MBE, CEO of TMC, said:
“After being in the presence of so many extraordinary organisations and individuals at the Awards evening, it made me so proud to be part of such an inspired team of trustees, staff, artists, partner organisations and, of course, the very young people we are here to serve. The recognition this award represents for them and for all of us is so powerful and so appreciated. Thank You Children and Young People Now!”
Between July 2023 and June 2024, the charity received 261 referrals and delivered 2,876 hours of Creative Mentoring; TMC recorded that 60% of young mentees said their self-belief had increased since participating in the service.
TMC’s approach to collaborative working across public services and young people was also commended. Regular consultation with young people, the charity’s Youth Board and a best practice approach to child-centred working was also highlighted in the award entry.
Awards judge Vanessa Longley described TMC’s entry as an “inspiring read” and added: “This is an extraordinary intervention delivering robust, evidenced best practice”.
Hannah Whitfield, TMC Youth Board member, said:
“As a Youth Board member of The Mighty Creatives, winning The Arts and Culture Award feels deeply personal. Creativity has been a powerful tool in my own journey – it’s given me a voice, built my confidence, and connected me to the world in a way I never thought I’d be able to. To see TMC recognised for its work is a reminder of how transformative the arts can be for young people. This award isn’t just about us; it’s about all the young voices we represent and the limitless potential that creativity unlocks for each of us. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that believes in the power of youth and the arts to shape a brighter future.”
Since its launch in 2018, TMC has supported 635 young people across 89 referrals partners in England through Creative Mentoring, with 60% of young mentees saying their confidence had increased as a direct benefit of the service and 100% of young mentees sustaining their original scores or recording improvement. Referral partners include Local Authorities; the Social Care Sector; Virtual Schools; Schools; Alternative Provision settings; Residential Homes; Arts and Cultural Organisations; Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Youth Justice Board; and Prevent Services.
TMC has ambitious plans to reach an increasing number of under-represented young people in need and on a wider geographical scale. It plans to engage with 10,000 young people across the country by April 2029 through its evolving range of creative programmes.
Maisie Wright, TMC Youth Board member, said:
“The importance of providing a safe space for under-represented young people to access the arts, develop their skills and to shine is something that has been evident in all the work I have taken part in during my time as part of the Youth Board for TMC. I’m both proud and extremely excited that all our hard work has been noticed A big congratulations to everyone involved!”
Emrys Green, Vice-Chair of TMC’s Board of Trustees, comments on the award:
“It’s an honour to receive this award from those who know the value of supporting young people so well. In a difficult climate for recognition and funding in the arts, we are delighted the impact of what our Creative Mentors and wider staff team are achieving has been recognised by the CYP Now Awards judges.
In an evening celebrating the achievements of organisations working with young people, to have our work platformed alongside so many approaches is inspirational. Our partners who commission the work play a vital role in shaping and supporting our delivery. We will endeavour to continue our impact on thousands more young people across the Midlands, and the whole country.”
About The Mighty Creatives
The Mighty Creatives is an award-winning charity providing creative youth services for the most unheard and under-represented children and young people in society, including those who are care experienced, facing adversity, challenges or disadvantage. We exist to make social justice a reality for children and young people aged five to 25 through arts, culture and creativity.
Our core programme, Creative Mentoring, is a tried-and-tested model of one-to-one creative intervention, based on a person-centred approach and informed by the principles of social pedagogy. Working directly with our young beneficiaries, our trained Creative Mentors use the medium of artistic practice, alongside access to arts and culture, to empower young people to discover their sense of self, purpose, belonging, and a world of opportunities during challenging or transitional times.
Through our Creative Futures programme, we connect our young people with organisations and support them to create meaningful education, training and workplace opportunities together. By adopting creative approaches and listening to young voices, employers can inspire young people to take the next steps in their lives.
Everything we do as a charity is underpinned by the mighty voices of children and young people. Our Youth Voice programme sees us work with young people, other charities, organisations, youth services, and employers to support best practice, youth-led approaches which foster meaningful cultures by placing youth voice at the centre of decision-making.
For press and media enquiries please contact Bethany Patience, Marketing and Communications Manager Bethany@themightycreatives.com or call 0116 2616 834.
Press Release – Leicester Youth Charity Wins National Award456.89 KB
