Flying High Awards

The Flying High Awards ceremony took place on Saturday 12 September 2026 at Muncaster Castle. We celebrated the amazing positive difference children and young people who live in Cumberland are making.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognise remarkable children and young people.

Explore award categories and read about the winners below. Nominations for next years awards will open in 2027.

The awards celebrate achievements such as developing skills, supporting others, overcoming challenges and helping shape their communities. The awards have been developed with young people through Cumberland Youth Voice groups.

Award categories

Awards were presented in the following categories:

Niamh receives award from Josh MacAlister MP

Creative Expression Award

For young people using creativity to express themselves, inspire others or make a positive difference.

Awarded to Niamh.

"Niamh’s exceptional use of poetry shares her experiences in a way that is raw, beautiful, and deeply meaningful. Through her honest and heartfelt expression, she gives voice to feelings that many people may find difficult to articulate themselves. Her poems offer comfort, reassurance, and hope, reminding others that they are not alone in their experiences.”

Achievement in Learning Award

For dedication to learning, personal development and supporting others to succeed.

Awarded to Ashah.

"Ashah’s journey reflects everything this award represents: overcoming challenges and continuing to strive towards his potential."

Young Carer Award

For young people who provide outstanding support to a family member.

Awarded to George.

"George sees the impact of epilepsy every day through his sister. George helps care for his sister in any way he can, showing her love, kindness and inclusion every day. His fundraising efforts raised an incredible £1,771 for Young Epilepsy."

Music Award

For achievement, commitment or progress in music and performance.

Awarded to Harvey.

"Harvey spends his spare time entertaining residents in care homes and dementia clubs across Carlisle. The room lifts the moment Harvey begins to sing. Harvey is always happy and smiling spreading joy which makes others around him feel the same."

Faith receives award from Josh MacAlister MP

Sport and Fitness Award

For promoting physical activity, teamwork, leadership and sporting achievements.

Awarded to Faith.

"Over the last few years, Faith has developed as both an instructor and a student. She has dedicated thousands of hours to it and is now passing her passion and knowledge on to the next generation."

Young Health Champion Award

For improving health and wellbeing in their community.

Awarded to Leo.

"Leo is overcoming his own challenges with Tourettes and ADHD by completing all 214 Wainwrights ten times. Leo has raised over £5,000 for Mountain Rescue teams. Leo inspires others facing challenges to enjoy the outdoors, support their health and mental wellbeing, and come together through free group walks."

Community Impact Award

For making a positive difference and helping others feel included and valued.

This award has been sponsored by Decommissioning & Nuclear Waste Partnership (DNWP).

Awarded to Joseph.

"Joseph is a dedicated, polite and passionate young volunteer with Bee Unique Autism Charity. He volunteers at charity events, welcomes
families, encourages children to join in, and shows kindness and patience. His commitment has made a lasting impact on families and the charity."

Personal Growth Award

For demonstrating resilience, confidence and personal development.

This award has been sponsored by Decommissioning & Nuclear Waste Partnership (DNWP).

Awarded to Seb.

"Seb is brave, compassionate, selfless and inspiring. He is thoughtful beyond his years and quick to offer comfort or encouragement when someone is struggling."

Young Environmental Champion Award

For protecting the environment and encouraging others to take action.

Awarded to Wigton Wombles.

"Wigton Wombles are enthusiastic young people who take pride in making a difference to the place they call home. By creating community litter picks across Wigton, they have helped to build bonds across generations and strengthen community relationships."

Young Mental Health Advocate Award

For promoting mental health awareness, understanding and support.

Awarded to Isabel.

"“Isabel has shown great strength and courage. She campaigns for better services for young people facing similar challenges. She volunteers in her own time to work with mental health groups and uses her lived experience to explore and improve services."

Youth Voice Award

For influencing change, sharing ideas and helping shape decisions.

This award has been sponsored by Sellafield Ltd.

Awarded to Ashton.

"This year he has created a presentation on what it is like to be autistic and delivered it to all of the form groups in his year group at school. Ashton has also been invited to deliver his presentation to a team of around 30 professionals, who provide support to people who are in recovery from drugs/alcohol or on probation, many of those supported are neurodiverse, supporting the staff to learn from a lived experience perspective around how best to support other autistic people."

Rising Star Award

Awarded to Gracie.

"“Gracie stands out because she uses what she has learned to support others. She uses her own experiences to help others understand the importance of looking after themselves and each other. She has grown in confidence and become a positive role model. She has turned challenges into opportunities and uses her voice to help others."

Contact us

For help or questions, contact the Youth Voice team:

Email: Youth.Voice@cumberland.gov.uk