This year, Wards Estate Agents, founded by Paul Rooney, are celebrating their 22nd anniversary of the Children’s Awards, which celebrates and honours some incredible children, young people, families and charities that face adversity across the South East.

First beginning in 2003, the awards share stories of brave children who overcome so much, families who defy expectations and charities who support so many in the community.

There are six categories with multiple age ranges that children, young people, families and charities can be nominated for including; Brave & Courageous Child of the Year, Young Volunteer or Fundraiser of the Year, Young Hero of the Year, Exceptional Young Carer of the Year, Outstanding Charity of the Year and Courageous Family of the Year.

Enjoyable recognition

In 2024, the event had an incredible turnout, with families travelling across the region to enjoy a theme inspired by books, hosted by Aldo Sotgiu, Managing Director of Wards, Charlotte Hawkins, Good Morning Britain presenter, and Phil Gallagher, Cbeebies Mister Maker!

The Wards Children’s Awards nominations are now open, with nominees due to be celebrated this September. If you know of a child, young person, family or charity who has triumphed against adversity or has done incredible things to support those around them, nominate them here.

This year, Wards have also launched their Get Moving with Wards initiative, where they are giving up to £50,000 to local primary schools for brand-new sports equipment. Other recent charitable endeavours have included raising £1 million for Barnardo’s children’s charity, supporting local food banks with upwards of £600,000 and raising over £100,000 in staff fundraising alone this past year for their 2022 and 2023 charity partner, The Children’s Trust.