ABOUT THE CATEGORY: This award recognises young people who have demonstrated exceptional support for their peers, friends, relatives or someone they care about that has helped them to cope with an illness or disability. This award if for a group or young person who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to caring for a family member or loved one and demonstrates compassion, resilience, and maturity beyond their years, balancing their care giving responsibilities with other aspects of their life. This award recognises their extraordinary contribution, the sacrifices they make, and the inspiration they offer to others through their kindness, strength, and dedication.
Find out more about our 2026 winners below.
Winner:Charlotte Stewart
Charlotte may only be 10 years old, but she shows compassion, responsibility and emotional maturity far beyond her age. As a young carer for her older brother Bailey, she gives her time, patience and love every single day. She includes him in everything she does; making sure he always feels valued, supported and never left out. The bond they share is clear in the way she understands his needs, comforts him during difficult moments and celebrates every success with genuine pride.
Her caring nature extends into her wider community - she volunteers with her mother's charity, helping children with a range of disabilities. She instinctively finds ways to include everyone, adapting activities so that each child can join in confidently. Her kindness and empathy create spaces where children feel safe and welcome, and families often comment on the joy she brings to events.
Alongside her caring role, Charlotte has faced her own challenges. School has been difficult, and her recent diagnoses of dyspraxia and dyslexia explained many of the struggles she worked so hard to hide. Instead of giving up, she embraced new tools and strategies, showing determination as she caught up with her peers. She now uses her own experience to support others who find learning difficult, offering reassurance and practical help. Charlotte is resilient, empathetic and inspiring.
Highly Commended: Jasmine Robinson
Jasmine is an exceptional 12-year-old whose maturity, compassion and emotional strength shine through every part of her life - not just in her caring role. Alongside the daily responsibilities of supporting her two autistic younger brothers, Jasmine works hard at school, maintains friendships, and continues to grow into a confident, thoughtful young person.
Jasmine plays a central role in helping her family function. She supports her brothers through school routines, sensory challenges and moments of distress, using a calm understanding of their needs. Her presence gives them security, comfort and predictability. Yet Jasmine is more than a carer - she is a creative, funny and bright individual who finds ways to bring joy into their lives, inventing games, encouraging communication and celebrating every achievement.
Balancing schoolwork, caring duties and the normal pressures of growing up is incredibly demanding, and there are times when Jasmine has had to put her own needs aside. Even so, she rarely complains, and continues to show resilience, maturity and kindness well beyond her years. She is a remarkable young person navigating childhood and caregiving with courage, love and quiet determination.
Special recognition: Eva Grace Lee
We also made a special nod to one young girl who truly captured everyone's hearts. Eva Grace Lee, at just four years old, amazed our judges with her extraordinary caring nature and the incredible support she gives to her brother, who lives with a rare genetic condition, autism, learning disabilities and severe epilepsy.
Despite her young age, Eva has learned how to swipe his VNS magnet during seizures, place him in the recovery position, use basic Makaton to communicate with him, and she always makes sure he's included in every game so he never feels left out.
Eva is too young to qualify for our awards, but her bravery, kindness and natural instinct to care for others are truly inspirational — and we were proud to recognise her with a special mention during this year's ceremony
This award is sponsored by Sunderland Carers Centre
This award is sponsored by the Sunderland Carers Centre who provide support for people who take a caring role to look after family members or friends. They offer information, advice and guidance to carers in and around Sunderland that is confidential, non-judgemental and impartial.
