Meet the winners: Go out there and build relationships
This category was for those who excelled at meeting people, with a passion for collaborating and bringing communities together.
The goal was to develop projects that fostered new connections and strengthened the local fabric. Projects that connected diverse individuals - across ages and backgrounds - to share stories, exchange skills, and build friendships, helping to create a more welcoming and connected place for everyone.
Gold winner: Team NPC - Outwood Academy Carlton, Barnsley
Team NPC set out to unite the generations by linking local youth with care home residents and neighbours. What started as simple afternoons of games and skill-sharing soon evolved into a larger community mission: a sponsored 5k run for the care home.
The team was remarkable; they dedicated countless hours to training and successfully encouraged others to join them. By the finish line, they hadn't just raised money, they had improved local fitness levels and built lasting, positive relationships within the community.
Silver winner: Hearts Connected: One Smile At A Time - Outwood Primary Academy Bell Lane, Pontefract
This team demonstrated exceptional commitment and made a profound positive impact in combating loneliness among older people. The two pupils demonstrated maturity beyond their age, accumulating 72 hours of volunteering time through consistent, well-planned weekly visits to a care home and successfully running four main events, including the "Adopt a Grandfriend" and "Memory Book Project."
The care home manager credited their energy and creativity with significantly boosting social interaction and reducing resident loneliness. Their project also boosted their own personal growth, developing enhanced teamwork, communication, empathy and confidence.
Bronze winner: Three Peas In A Pod - Outwood Academy Valley, Worksop
The pupils demonstrated initiative and compassion by organising a 'Games Day' at a local residential care home. They planned and hosted a bingo session, encouraging participation and creating a fun, social atmosphere for residents.
The students also successfully raised funds to purchase prizes for the games. Their teamwork, organisation and commitment helped bring enjoyment to the residents while making a positive contribution to the community. They gave great thought to the prizes by ensuring they were appropriate for the elderly residents.
