We recently hosted our fifth annual Young Supporters Awards, celebrating the incredible young people who have dedicated their time, energy and creativity to supporting us over the past year.
Held at Djanogly Theatre, the event recognised 17 individual fundraisers and four groups whose efforts have raised more than £9,400. The money raised over the past year has been dedicated to our new Engagement and Enrichment campaign, helping to fund activities and opportunities for people living in our supported accommodation services.
The evening began with a warm welcome by Steve Watson, Framework’s Director of Policy, Insight and Engagement, who spoke about the significant impact our young supporters are having and how their fundraising is helping to change lives.
One of the highlights of the event was hearing from our guest speaker, Adam Pagett, a Social Worker with Wakefield Council, shared his powerful journey, speaking openly about his experiences of homelessness and the role Framework played in helping him rebuild his life. After receiving support from Framework, Adam went on to volunteer for the organisation before spending ten years working as a Support Worker in a homeless hostel in Worksop. Today, he supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and is passionate about helping others overcome the challenges he once faced himself.
Adam Pagett speaking at the Young Supporter Awards
In his foreword to the evening’s programme, he wrote:
“Although you may not always see the difference you make to people’s lives by the money you raise, trust me, for everything you do, every penny you raise, somebody somewhere will always feel the benefit of your efforts.”
Following Adam’s inspiring speech, the spotlight turned to our award winners. One by one, this year’s recipients came forward to receive their certificates and trophies in recognition of their outstanding efforts.
Among those recognised were young people who took part in the Robin Hood Mini Marathon, Derby Inflatable 5K, Sleep Out challenges and an abseil, alongside those who organised fundraising stalls, bake sales and craft sales. Schools and youth groups also embraced Lewis Smith’s Change 4 Change campaign, helping to raise both funds and awareness of homelessness within their communities.
The evening also marked the handover of our Youth Patron role.
Over the past year, Lewis Smith has been an exceptional ambassador for us. Alongside completing the Robin Hood Mini Marathon, Junior Great North Run and Derby Inflatable 5K, Lewis organised cake sales, toy stalls, doughnut stalls and ice lolly sales while championing his own Change 4 Change campaign in schools across Nottinghamshire.
Lewis Smith and Adam Pagett at the Young Support Awards 2026
Through his fundraising efforts, Lewis raised an incredible £1,863.25 and inspired countless other young people to get involved. Before handing over the role, Lewis and his dad brought plenty of energy and laughter to the evening with a fun push-up challenge that had the audience cheering them on.
We then welcomed our new Youth Patrons, Ciara Hough and Maggie James, who will take on the role for 2026-27.
Ciara Hough and Maggie James being given their Youth Patron lanyards
Both girls are from Brookside Primary School and have been committed supporters of Framework for several years. Last year they organised their own bake sale and this year they helped raise money through the sale of handmade earrings and bracelets. They also regularly support Framework’s toy, food and toiletry drives.
Ciara said:
“The Framework Young Supporters Awards was amazing from laughing with my friends to the thrill of walking up on stage. I’m so happy to be taking on the role as Youth Patron and look forward to raising awareness and continuing fundraising for Framework.”
Maggie added:
“I’m really honoured to do the Framework Young Patron role with Ciara. I think it’s going to be a really fun thing to do and I’m really excited to help people get their own front door.
I really hope I can help raise awareness and money through fun events that help other young people realise they can also make a difference, however small.
I liked the awards evening and hearing Adam speak about how hard homelessness is. It made me really appreciate what Framework does, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that.”
The evening concluded with a special moment of reflection. Throughout the ceremony, the young people were given glow sticks to share with family, friends and fellow guests. As the theatre filled with light, Adam shared a powerful message from his book:
“Doing one small act of kindness or a gesture, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, may just be the spark of light during the dark times in someone’s life.”
One parent told us, “My son Ronnie was so emotional and said he needed to help more,” and Ronnie has already signed up to take part in this year’s Robin Hood Mini Marathon.
Another parent shared:
“My daughter was very inspired at the awards ceremony she attended on Friday evening. All weekend she has been talking about how she can get involved and help.”
Thank you to Djanogly Learning Trust for generously providing their venue for this event and thank you to all our young supporters who celebrated with us.
We are already looking forward to seeing what our amazing young supporters and Youth Patrons achieve over the coming year.
If you know a school, youth group or young person who would like to support our work, please email fundraising@frameworkha.org to find out how they can get involved and help make a difference.
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