Congratulations to Progress Project Andy and Young People, and True Cadence as they won the Partnership with the VCSE Sector Award, hosted by Council of Disabled Children (CDC). This award is to recognise, collaborative work with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
WINNER: Better Person (Barking & Dagenham Council, Progress Project & True Cadence)
‘Better Person is a youth-led anti-bullying project showing equitable partnership between statutory services and the VCSE sector in Barking & Dagenham. Co-produced by Barking and Dagenham Council, Progress Project and True Cadence following a 2024 needs assessment, it was built around shared decision-making and youth-led creative direction. The local authority provided alignment and safeguarding; Progress Project brought trusted SEND youth work; and True Cadence delivered community-based music production. Young people shaped the narrative and message, choosing music as the most powerful medium. A 10-week songwriting programme produced a resource now used in schools, parent workshops, youth groups and SEND training, while building participants’ confidence, teamwork and performance skills.’
Please visit CDC SEND Awards 2026 and Awards Programme for details.
More information of Progress Project’s regular clubs and events can be found on our new page for SEND Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Forum