‘Year of youth action’ launches for 2025
Insightful talks from community leaders
Celebrating work by local community partners to make sure that Cheltenham’s children and families thrive

On Thursday 30 January, around 200 community partners came together for No Child Left Behind’s community showcase. At the event, they heard from motivational speakers, learned about local projects and shared updates about their own work. The evening also included fantastic performances by local young people.

Held at Cheltenham’s iconic town hall, the event also kick-started NCLB’s ‘Year of Youth Action’ with several key themes for 2025 which came out of the recent young people’s study called ‘In their own words: Young voices on safety and protection in Cheltenham’.

The study was carried out by St Giles Trust and led by Junior Smart OBE, founder of the SOS project at the trust, on behalf of NCLB. It gathered views of young people to understand what it’s like to be a young person growing up in the town.

Junior Smart OBE, founder of the SOS project at the St Giles Trust, said:

“It was an honour to be invited to work on the young people’s study and to be asked to speak at this inspiring event. I’d like to encourage everyone again to take a good look at the plan for the year of youth action – and get involved wherever they can. Working together really does make a difference, and our young people deserve the best start that we can give them.”

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said:

“I would like to thank everyone who gives their time and effort to No Child Left Behind. The showcase was an incredible evening, launching our important Year of Youth Action 2025, and bringing together our inspirational organisations. It was fantastic to witness great work already in action, knowing that collectively we have an opportunity to work together even more, to positively change the life chances of our most disadvantaged children.

“Sending huge thanks to our guest speakers and the young talented performers who did a fantastic job entertaining everyone, Punchline-Gloucester.com for their media support, and The Cheltenham Trust who were the venue sponsor for the evening.’’

Exciting performances were given by All Saints Academy, Lakeside Primary School, Belmont School and Cheltenham Children’s Choir. Guests also enjoyed activities provided by NCLB partners such as The Rock, Cheltenham Animal Shelter, Springbank Community Group, Aspire Foundation, YMCA Family Space, Cheltenham Town Community Trust, Be a Good Neighbour and CCP Charity.

To find out more about No Child Left Behind, the community agreement, workshops or events contact No Child Left Behind on Facebook and X or visit nochildleftbehind@cheltenham.gov.uk.