Young Person of the Year: Caitlin Nightingale
We’re beyond excited to share the fantastic news that Caitlin Nightingale, who leads our Next Steps programme at Teens+, has been recognised as the Young Person of the Year 2024 at this year’s Investors in People Awards.
When Caitlin took on the role of Programme Manager, she brought a fresh energy and vision that has transformed Next Steps from a small initiative into a life-changing service.
From day one, Caitlin has been all about breaking barriers and finding creative solutions, making sure that our students get the opportunities they deserve. Whether it’s helping a young person start their own business or working with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to make the programme accessible to students with complex needs, Caitlin has been unstoppable.
Some highlights of Caitlin's achievements at Next Steps:
- Boosted student volunteering placements from just 4 to an impressive 22
- Organised a successful social calendar of sold-out events, bringing together over 200 young people
- Increased the accessibility of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, engaging 13 young people with additional support needs, ensuring no one misses out on this life-changing opportunity
- Supporting aspiring young entrepreneurs to develop and test business ideas, fostering independence and creativity
Caitlin’s impact goes beyond these numbers and even beyond the young people she supports. Parents have shared how important it is to have a service like Next Steps, and how it has provided them a new lease of life. Parents of one student even highlighted that they were able to enjoy a night out together for the first time in 30 years because of the safe, supportive social opportunity Caitlin’s programme provides for their child.
Congratulations are also in order for Simon, Head of Teens+, who was nominated for Leader of the Year; another fantastic achievement. Unfortunately, Simon didn’t take home the trophy this time, but he’s still a winner in our eyes! Here’s to next year.
Simon and Caitlin at the Investors in People Awards 2024
To see more of Caitlin’s journey and hear directly from the people whose lives she’s touched, check out the video below:
This award is a celebration of all the hard work, creativity, and genuine care that Caitlin puts into everything she does. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievements and can’t wait to see what’s next for the Next Steps programme.
Well done, Caitlin – you’re an inspiration to us all!
