Changemaker Awards 2023: Celebrating community impact across Northamptonshire

Last week, the annual Changemaker Awards ceremony were held, bringing together students, graduates and staff members from across the University, as well as local businesses and the community, to celebrate the positive social impact we have on the community around us.

Jay Baughan, Social Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Northampton, reflected on the success of the awards evening: “The Changemaker Awards are the highlight of the year, valued by both staff and students in recognition of the fantastic work we all do in creating a positive social impact in the communities we serve.

“The room was a buzz of excitement as our nominees were celebrated for their relentless and highly valuable work in helping to improve the inclusivity and positive impact within our community.

“We’re proud to work with our staff, students, graduates and local community, and it was our honour to have the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their achievements.”

The winners – with their citations – are below.

 

Community Changemaker of the Year: The individual, community organisation or initiative from outside of the University who has demonstrated a significant commitment to Changemaking, whether locally, nationally or internationally.

Off The Streets NN, for their commitment to tackling knife and gang crime in Northamptonshire. Since 2021 they have been campaigning against these forms of crime while providing life saving training. They acknowledge that while there is a vital role in reaching young people before they become involved in knife crime, there is also the need to provide support to those who are already involved in, or witness, such a crime.

 

Culture, Heritage and Environment Changemaker of the Year: The individual, team, organisation or initiative that has demonstrated a significant commitment to Changemaking, enriching communities through culture and heritage.

Black Criminology Network, for their work in becoming a significant association for Black criminologists to raise awareness and bring together good practice.

The Network hosted a number of webinars throughout 2021 and 2022 which drew an audience from across the UK of students, academics and practitioners, allowing a diversity of views to be brought together in discussions about the over criminalisation of young Black males, the adultification of Black girls and the role of the British Empire in the marking of Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee. Together, speakers and participants were able to draw out the importance of Black History in understanding complex criminological issues.

 

Education Changemaker of the Year: The individual, team, organisation or initiative that has demonstrated a significant commitment to Changemaking which enables children and young people to flourish and learn.

Tereza Aidonopoulou-Read, for her dedication to developing a student experience at UON through an equality, diversity and inclusion lens, considering the student experience from a variety of perspectives.

She has a natural curiosity and interest in 8understanding experiences and identifying gaps in equitable provision that is always in the background of her work.

At the University of Northampton, Tereza is a voice for those who are either not heard or who cannot speak for themselves, taking on additional roles outside of her academic responsibility that allow her to advocate for a variety of student identities.

 

Enterprise Changemaker of the Year: The individual, team, organisation or initiative that has demonstrated a positive social impact through enterprise activity.

Perception Theatre, for raising awareness and positive change through creating theatre, film and digital content.

Perception Theatre Ltd was founded in November 2019 by the University of Northampton’s Acting for Contemporary and Devised Performance graduates, Joseph Roberts and Bobbie-Lee Scott.

They are a not-for-profit organisation that creates theatre, film and digital content to tackle current social issues through the power of acting and storytelling. The company was founded from a drive to create realistic characters and scenarios with the desire to spark conversation, raise awareness and create positive social, emotional and behavioural change.

 

Health and Wellbeing Changemaker of the Year: The individual, team, organisation or initiative that has demonstrated a positive social impact to benefit health and wellbeing in communities.

The Frank Bruno Foundation, for working hard to create positive change in communities and for those affected by mental ill-health.

The Frank Bruno Foundation was founded as a direct result of World Champion Boxer, Frank Bruno, wanting to create positive change in communities.

Frank has spoken openly of the vital role exercise has played in his battle with mental ill-health and is now driven to help others battle their mental health challenges.

The Foundation exists to provide support, encouragement and the motivation to succeed for those currently facing or recovering from mental ill-health issues.

 

International Changemaker of the Year: The individual, team, organisation or initiative that has demonstrated a significant commitment to Changemaking outside of the UK.

Village International Education Centre, for their commitment to community education around SEN and the advocacy for inclusive and accessible education.

Village International Education Centre (VIEC) is a school in Bangkok exclusively for children with special educational needs (SEN).

The centre provides a unique learning environment which combines multiple specialists such as teachers, psychologists and therapists into one setting.

VIEC is the only education setting of its kind in the region, meaning their work is vital to families, not just in Thailand but in the surrounding countries.

 

Staff Changemaker of the Year: The University of Northampton member of staff who has demonstrated a significant commitment to Changemaking, whether as part of their role or external to the University, locally, nationally or internationally.

Paul Smith, for showcasing the power of contributing to communities through volunteering.

Over a number of years, he has accumulated a wealth of experience supporting different communities through a variety of projects and volunteer roles, dedicating his time to creating positive change for those around him.

He is a prime example of someone who doesn’t consider what he’s doing to be Changemaking, because he has never done it for the recognition or title, but simply because he is drawn to supporting others and being actively involved in his community.

 

Student Changemaker of the Year: The University of Northampton student who has demonstrated a significant commitment to Changemaking, whether locally, nationally or internationally.

Jenny Munro, for demonstrating a perfect example of what a commitment to Changemaker as a tool looks like in practice.

Jenny joined UON as a mature student embarking on a career change into primary education.

She brought with her a wealth of commercial experience, alongside the desire to become an inspiration for children and young people. Shortly after starting University, Jenny discovered the idea of Changemaker and was immediately drawn to the potential it had to guide her personal and career development.