Last Thursday, The Communication Trust and Pearson were proud to announce the winners of the 2015 Shine a Light Awards, a national awards scheme that celebrates innovative work and excellent practice in supporting children and young people’s communication development. 

Hosted by comedian David Baddiel, the awards, which took place at Pearson’s headquarters in London, honoured individuals, teams, campaigns, communication-friendly settings and communities that have excelled in their support of children and young people’s communication, particularly for those with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). 

A number of inspiring individuals received awards, including 17-year-old Jonathan Middleditch from Surrey, who was the recipient of the Young Person of the Year Award, and Bev Crisp from Yorkshire who took home the Communication Champion Award. David Baddiel, Host of the 2015 Shine a Light Awards, said: 

“Because of the important work that the Shine a Light 2015 winners and highly commended finalists have achieved, children and young people’s language and communication development, especially for those with SLCN, has been supported.

“Speech and language problems too often goes under the radar, so everyone should not only be congratulated for their work but for bringing this important issue to the attention of others. I would like to say well done to all those shortlisted who have shown true grit and determination to better themselves and others. They are all a true inspiration - keep up the good work.” 

In addition to these awards Pearson awarded Lord David Ramsbotham GCB CBE the Pearson Outstanding Achievement Award for his transformational impact on SLCN and activity related to the Children and Families Act. 

A full list of all the winners can be found at www.shinealightawards.co.uk