On Friday 3rd July, Bootle charity Y Kids once again proved why it is one of Merseyside’s most inspirational organisations as it hosted its spectacular Believe Awards at Liverpool’s iconic Titanic Hotel.
The evening was nothing short of extraordinary. Filled with emotion, celebration and standing ovations, the awards recognised ten remarkable young people whose courage, kindness, resilience and selflessness have made a genuine difference to the lives of others.
Created by Bootle-based children’s charity Y Kids in 2012, the Believe Awards were established to celebrate young people aged between 7 and 17 who quietly go above and beyond for others. Each year the event adopts a unique theme, and this year’s enchanting “Once Upon A Time” celebration featured awards inspired by beloved storybook characters, with each category reflecting different qualities such as bravery, creativity, leadership, compassion and perseverance.
The evening was a fitting tribute to the remarkable achievements of this year’s winners:
- Thomas Bradburn – The Hobbit Award
- Daniel Evans – The Hiccup Award
- Halton Youth Cabinet – The Famous Five Award
- Jordan Cardus – The Matilda Award
- Lilly-My King – The Paddington Award
- Adam Suleman – The Cinderella Award
- Lewis Harry Peterson – The Lion King Award
- Charlie O’Neill – The Charlie Bucket Award
- Tilly Vickers – The Aslan Award
- Mia McCarthy – The Alice Award
Every winner demonstrated extraordinary qualities that embodied the spirit of their respective awards, whether through acts of kindness, overcoming adversity, serving their communities, showing exceptional leadership or simply making the lives of those around them brighter.
The Believe Awards are about far more than trophies. Every nominee is recognised for the positive impact they have made, while the ten winners and their families enjoy an unforgettable evening of celebration, entertainment and recognition. It is a night dedicated to ensuring these young people know they are seen, appreciated and valued by their communities.
What makes the Believe Awards so special is the overwhelming sense of hope they inspire. There were countless emotional moments throughout the evening as the stories behind each winner reminded everyone in attendance of the extraordinary things young people are capable of when given encouragement, opportunity and belief.
Y Kids Founder Claire Morgans said: “It was a truly inspiring evening and very emotional. There was absolute magic in the room thanks to the incredible young people who have overcome adversities and been absolute stars. It’s exactly the reason we do what we do at Y Kids — to celebrate and empower young people. The Believe Awards was yet again an absolute triumph!”
Bootle charity Y Kids deserves enormous praise for creating an event that not only celebrates young people but also changes perceptions. Their commitment to recognising hidden heroes across Merseyside has transformed countless lives over the past decade, giving deserving young people the recognition they rarely seek but so richly deserve.
The Believe Awards / Fri 3rd July, 2026 / The Titanic Hotel, Liverpool
For more info about Y KIDS visit the WEBSITE
