Fair Ways Celebrates Three Finalists at the National Children & Young People Awards

We are delighted to announce that Fair Ways has been recognised with three finalist nominations at the prestigious National Children & Young People Awards, celebrating the dedication, innovation and passion of both our people and services.

The awards recognise individuals and organisations that are making an outstanding difference to the lives of children, young people and families across the UK. To have three finalists representing Fair Ways is a tremendous achievement and reflects our continued commitment to delivering compassionate, trauma-informed care, education and support.

Gareth Webb Named Finalist for Biggest Impact (Individual)

Our Managing Director, Gareth Webb, has been shortlisted in the Biggest Impact (Individual) category. This award celebrates an individual who has made a significant and lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families through creativity, advocacy and an unwavering commitment to improving wellbeing.

Gareth has championed innovative approaches that place children and young people at the heart of everything we do. His leadership has helped drive meaningful change both within the organisation and across the wider sector, including the development of the award-winning Fostering Friendly Employers campaign, which has brought together employers to better support foster carers in the workplace.

Being recognised as a finalist is a testament to Gareth’s vision, leadership and dedication to creating brighter futures for children, young people and families.

RiiSE Trauma-based Practice Programme Shortlisted for Biggest Impact (Team)

Our RiiSE Trauma-based Practice Programme has also been recognised as a finalist in the Biggest Impact (Team) category. The award recognises a team or initiative that has positively transformed the lives of vulnerable children and families through creative, compassionate and impactful practice.

The RiiSE programme supports Fair Ways staff to develop a deeper understanding of trauma-informed practice, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to build stronger relationships and improve outcomes for children and young people. Through training, consultation and ongoing support, the programme continues to influence practice across all our services, ensuring trauma-informed approaches remain at the centre of decision-making and care.

This nomination celebrates the commitment of the entire RiiSE team to promoting advocacy, resilience and wellbeing through evidence-informed practice.

Lucy Pearce Recognised in the Wellbeing Award

We are also thrilled that Lucy Pearce, Senior Manager for RiiSE, has been named a finalist in the Wellbeing Award. Originally entered into the Outstanding Contribution category, the judges recognised Lucy’s exceptional work by selecting her as a finalist in the Wellbeing Award, which honours individuals and organisations that go above and beyond to promote the wellbeing of children and young people and help families stay together.

Lucy has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children, young people and the professionals who support them. Through her leadership of the RiiSE service, she has championed trauma-informed approaches that prioritise emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive relationships, ensuring that both children and practitioners receive the support they need to thrive.

Her passion, expertise and commitment continue to make a lasting impact across Fair Ways and beyond, making this recognition richly deserved.

Looking Ahead

The winners will be announced at the National Children & Young People Awards ceremony on 22nd October in Birmingham, where individuals and organisations from across the UK will come together to celebrate excellence in supporting children, young people and families.

Whatever the outcome, being named finalists is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the passion, innovation and commitment that defines Fair Ways. We wish Gareth, Lucy and the entire RiiSE team the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating with them in October.