Two 13-year-olds behind The Shoebox Squad, a £100,000 air ambulance fundraiser and Sprowston's youth project are among the nine Broadland award winners.

Two 13-year-old girls who sent almost 600 Christmas shoeboxes to families helped by domestic abuse charities have been named Broadland’s Young Achievers of the Year.

They were among nine winners at the Broadland Community Awards 2026. The ceremony was held at Royal Norwich Golf Club on Thursday 15 October. Broadland District Council announced the winners on Monday (council news, 19 October).

The awards are in their 12th year. Every winner gets a £250 donation to pass on to a local charitable organisation of their choice.

The winners

Award Winner Why, in the council’s words
Young Achiever of the Year Sienna Brown and Tilly Clarke, both 13 Created The Shoebox Squad: almost 600 shoeboxes for families supported by domestic abuse charities at Christmas 2025, and personalised gifts for more than 100 care home residents
Volunteer of the Year Amanda Leathers Raised more than £100,000 for East Anglian Air Ambulance, “turning personal tragedy into an extraordinary fundraising legacy”
Community Organisation of the Year Sprowston Youth Engagement Project More than 13 years of youth work, mentoring and community activities
Lifetime Achievement Ali Nazimi Decades of volunteering, including with the British Red Cross, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, RSPB Strumpshaw Fen and Felbrigg Hall
Environmental Champion Blofield & District Conservation Group More than 40 years protecting local wildlife habitats
Business in the Community The Shoulder of Mutton, Strumpshaw At the heart of the village through events, fundraising and support for local activities
Rising Star Rewild Wellbeing CIC Nature-based activities for people facing loneliness, poor health and social isolation
Healthy & Active Hustle Norwich Ltd Inclusive fitness opportunities supporting physical and mental wellbeing
Connecting Communities The Black Dog Music Project Using music to build confidence and friendships and reduce isolation

Who they are

The Shoebox Squad is the youngest winner by some distance. Sienna and Tilly reached almost 600 families with shoeboxes last Christmas, then did the same for care home residents with gifts made for each person.

Sprowston Youth Engagement Project has run youth provision in Sprowston and Old Catton since 2012. Its own site says it works with young people aged 11 to 17, and supports young adults up to 24. Its youth group meets on Tuesdays in Sprowston and on Thursdays in Old Catton (SYEP).

Blofield & District Conservation Group, known as BADCOG, is run by volunteers. Its latest report to Strumpshaw’s parish meeting says it manages wildlife areas on 14 sites in and around Blofield. They include part of Buckenham Wood and its own Railway Wood (BADCOG annual report, Strumpshaw Parish Council).

The Shoulder of Mutton is the pub in Strumpshaw, about eight miles east of Norwich. It is the only business among the winners.

Council Chairman Cllr Adrian Tipple said it was “a privilege to recognise this year’s fantastic winners”. He added: “Everyone who was nominated should be incredibly proud.”

What it means for you

Each of the nine winners now chooses a local good cause for a £250 donation, so the money stays in the district.

If someone you know deserved to be on this list, the awards run every year. This year nominations closed on 27 August, with judging on 3 September. Our nominations story sets out the nine categories and the eligibility check the council runs on every nominee.

Several winners take part in work you can join. SYEP lists volunteering and jobs on its site, and BADCOG holds volunteer work parties in the woods around Blofield and Strumpshaw.

Sources