Celebrating Forces Families Awards Finalists 2023: Young People’s Award
The Celebrating Forces Families (CFF) Awards Team is so excited to congratulate its three amazing finalists for the Young People’s Award – Giving back to the Armed Forces Community. The winner will be announced at a celebrity-presented Awards evening in London on 28th April.
This award is for a child of someone who serves who has given their time and energy to the betterment of the Armed Forces community.
The finalists are:
· James Watts
· Heather Pollock
· Gregor Allan
James Watts
James is the driving force behind the Wings to the Past initiative, which uses archaeology and heritage to build resilience among serving RAF personnel and their families. He was a runner-up for the Young Archaeologist of the Year award in 2019 and acts as the digital manager, running the website and Facebook page.
James Watts
James says:
“I am so excited and pleased to be selected as a finalist for CFF23. Supporting Wings to the Past is something I just enjoy doing, so getting recognised for my support to our programme is amazing.”
Heather Pollock
Heather Pollock is a 17-year-old young carer and college student from a veteran family who is always positive and supportive of others. She volunteered for Forces Children Scotland's participation work in 2021 and co-produced the organisation's mental health and wellbeing platform. Heather is a dedicated and reliable member of the group and has continued to volunteer for co-production work while juggling her studies and caring responsibilities.
Heather Pollock
Heather adds:
“It feels amazing to be a finalist, I had absolutely no idea so feeling really grateful.”
Gregor Allan
10-year-old Gregor Allan wanted to help his little sister prepare for their dad's tour of duty in the Middle East, so he produced a list of activities and asked his school, New Inn Primary School near Pontypool, Southeast Wales, to set up a club for Service children. The group was extremely well received, and the pupils were eager to join, despite only nine of them being from service or veteran families in a school of over 600 pupils.
Gregor Allan
Gregor says:
“I feel extremely proud to be a finalist as a military child supporting the community.”
Young People’s Award sponsors are Right Management and Charlene Brookes, the Quality and Performance Manager for their CTP programme, says:
“This is the second year Right Management has had the honour of sponsoring the Young People’s Award. We are delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor again, to demonstrate our heartfelt support of the Armed Forces community at the Celebrating Forces Families Awards. Young members of the military family are often the unsung heroes and having read the incredible nominations, it’s clear we need to keep recognising and celebrating the achievements of these talented, young people”.
The Awards evening
Friday 28th April 2023 will see a formal dinner and awards ceremony held at the Victory Services Club, London. The Awards are supported by the Ministry of Defence through its Partner Employment Working Group.
Actor and SSAFA Ambassador, Antony Cotton is also returning as a guest presenter at the Awards.
Watch on livestream
If you aren’t able to be at the Awards, you can still join virtually for free! Simply register online and then make sure you’ve got the date in your diary to plan your evening however you wish to celebrate with everyone.
Follow the CFF Team as the 2023 events unfold:
· Twitter: @CFFAwards
· Facebook: @CelebratingForcesFamilies
· Insta: @celebratingforcesfamilies