Since the inaugural ceremony in 2022, youHQ has proudly sponsored the Be Kind Awards. We’re thrilled to be supporting the awards and their upcoming presentation event again in 2024.
Born from the need for an inclusive, uplifting pastoral programme, Be Kind receives applications and nominations from across the UK. The awards are divided into seven categories, covering primary schools, secondary schools, SEND schools, youth groups, and individual kindness champions. Having previously taken place at Keele Hall and Manchester Metropolitan University, the ceremony this year will be located at Chester Town Hall.
As proponents of values-based goalsetting in schools, kindness is a key value for youHQ. We sat down virtually with the awards’ founder, Sarah Holt, to discuss the importance of celebrating kindness in education. In addition to working on the Be Kind Awards, Sarah is currently the Assistant Headteacher at Axis Academy, Crewe.
What does kindness mean to you?
Sarah Holt (SH): Kindness, to me, means showing compassion and empathy to others. It's about being considerate, helping without expecting anything in return, and making a positive difference in someone else's life. It's the small gestures, like a smile or a kind word, that can brighten someone's day and create a ripple effect of goodwill.
As you approach your third annual awards ceremony, what do you feel are the main things you've learnt from the Be Kind Awards?
SH: The main takeaways from the Be Kind Awards so far has been the realisation of how much kindness happens every day across the UK. The press and media can paint a very negative image at times but the reality is very different. Kindness is truly powerful and its presence is making a positive impact in our schools. If you take the time to look for kindness, you will find it's everywhere.
What's your favourite part of the Be Kind Awards?
SH: My favourite part of the Be Kind Awards is without doubt celebrating our winners at the annual awards ceremony. Having the privilege of meeting the most amazing young people and staff from across the UK is something I will never take for granted. They are the real life heroes making the world a better place every day.
The Be Kind Awards 2024 will take place from 2 - 4pm BST on 15th July. The winners will be announced on their website shortly after the ceremony. Congratulations and good luck to all the finalists!
Want to enter your school for a Be Kind Award next year? Applications typically open in July and close the following April. Stay up-to-date with developments and nomination deadlines on the Be Kind Awards’ Instagram.
This article was created by the team behind youHQ, a school wellbeing and personal development platform.
We believe in helping the mental health of teachers and students through values-based goalsetting and wellbeing support. Our cutting-edge app is changing the way schools care for their people.
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