Awards and recognition

Over the years, BMBF and its members have won prestigious awards and received special recognition for their dedication, creativity, and impact on the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees.

Being part of BMBF doesn't just give you amazing experiences - it helps you stand out. These achievements look fantastic on:

• CVs - show employers you've developed leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
• Personal Statements - highlight your commitment to your community and your ability to make real change

Every award tells a story of young people shaping the future. Explore our successes and see how you can be part of something award-winning!

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

BMBF has been recognised for their outstanding work through being awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The award is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. The prestigious award recognises BMBF's outstanding work in the community to support young people growing up across the Borough and their work to make Stockton-on-Tees a great place to grow up.

The group received the award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, in 2022. Two members of BMBF were also invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023, alongside other recipients of the award.

For more information about the award, visit The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service website.

The Dame Mary Perkins British Citizen Youth Award

In September 2023, BMBF was awarded The Dame Mary Perkins British Citizen Youth Award, which highlights the individual endeavours of young people who are positively impacting their communities, helping charities or undertaking exceptional activities in support of others.

The award was presented by the Specsavers founder herself at the Palace of Westminster, where we also received a donation of £1,000 to help us continue our good work.

Mayor's Civic Award

In 2022, Alex Matthews received the Mayor's Civic Award, Young Persons Award. As a young person with autism, Alex always goes the extra mile to champion and support others with disabilities, particularly hidden special educational needs (SEN). He joined the Council's BMBF panel in 2018 and has since raised funds for the Mayor's charity, delivered school workshops and played a vital role in organising BMBF's Secret Sound festival for young people to enjoy live music in a safe and secure environment.

On 1 April 2026, BMBF was proud to receive a Green Award at the Mayor's Civic Awards.

Here's what the panel had to say: "This organisation has a key focus on delivering events and opportunities for young people. They have placed significant emphasis on sustainability - promoting recycling, reusing, and upcycling materials. From showcasing creations on a catwalk at their Upcycling Thrift Event, Bright Minds Big Fashion, to helping 30 young people find their perfect prom outfit at low or no cost through the Second Dance Prom Project, there's been lots to celebrate this year."

Ingleby Inspirations Award

In December 2025, Jayden Flanighan was awarded the "Taking Part" award for young achievers at the first Ingleby Inspirations Awards.

He joined us in 2022 after a youth climate coalition event, and he has been a strong member ever since. Our youth committee runs on a two-year cycle, so when most of our older members moved on, Jayden stayed and supported the newer and younger members into their roles.

Jayden is a champion of LGBT+ inclusion. He supported us in bringing in external LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Training to our staff and members. He was also one of the first members to take part in our #DifferentAltogether social media campaign where our members would celebrate their differences. Jayden bravely spoke about the verbal and social instances of homophobia against him as a young queer person. This campaign showed how BMBF was a safe space for LGBT+ youth and Jayden's work in leading the campaign was amazing.

Jayden ran for Stockton's Member of Youth Parliament and ran an extremely positive campaign. Despite not winning, Jayden was one of the only candidates to remain with BMBF after the election, which goes to show his dedication and commitment to the group.