On Friday the 5th of June 2026, EdShift was honoured to be named the winner of the Community Arts Award at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026.
The Yorkshire Choice Awards are decided by public vote, meaning this recognition was only possible because so many people took the time to support our nomination. Every vote cast was a gesture of belief in our work, our mission, and most importantly, the children and young people we support.
Our CEO and Founder, Ellie Brook, said:
“I am still in absolute disbelief that EdShift has been awarded the Yorkshire’s Choice Award for Community Arts. It is not lost on me how many people took the time to vote for us, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support means more than I can put into words.
I would also like to congratulate all of the other winners and finalists. We were sitting shoulder to shoulder with some of the most inspiring arts organisations across Yorkshire—organisations doing extraordinary work in their communities. To be recognised alongside them was an honour in itself, and if I’m honest, I attended the awards believing the competition would be incredibly tough. When our name was announced, the shock was genuine, and anyone who saw my speech that evening will know just how overwhelmed I felt.
This award is about so much more than EdShift as an organisation. It is about shining a light on the children and young people affected by domestic abuse who inspire our work every day. Through the arts, we help young people make sense of their experiences, find their voice, feel heard, feel safe, and know that what has happened to them does not define them. Winning this award sends a powerful message to them: your story matters, your life matters, and you are not alone.
For me, one of the most meaningful aspects of this recognition is what it says about our incredible team. They are the heart, spirit, and magic of EdShift. Every day they bring courage, creativity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve. I hope they take a moment to truly sit with this achievement. On the difficult days, when resources feel stretched and the demands feel endless, I hope they remember that people see them. People see the difference they make, and this award is a reminder that their work matters.
As CEO, I do not take this recognition lightly. We will carry this momentum forward, continue dreaming bigger, and use this platform to amplify the voices of children and young people affected by domestic abuse across Calderdale and beyond. This award belongs to every child, young person, family member, supporter, volunteer, partner, and staff member who has been part of our journey.
Thank you to everyone who voted for us. I still cannot quite believe we’ve brought this award home to Calderdale, but I will never stop being grateful that we did.”
Our Chair of Trustees, Kate Adamson said:
“As Chair of Trustees, I couldn’t be prouder to see EdShift receive this recognition. What makes this award particularly special is that it was decided by public vote. Every vote represents someone who believes that children and young people affected by domestic abuse deserve to be seen, heard and supported.
This award is a testament to the dedication of Ellie, the staff, volunteers and partners, who work tirelessly to create safe spaces where children can heal, grow and find their voice. It also reflects the strength of the community that continues to stand behind EdShift and our mission.
While we are incredibly honoured by this achievement, our focus remains firmly on the future. We will use this recognition to raise awareness, strengthen support for our work, and help us reach even more children and young people who need us. Thank you to everyone who voted and made this possible we are really grateful.”
At EdShift, we often talk about the importance of children being seen and heard. Children affected by domestic abuse have historically been overlooked, their experiences minimised or treated as secondary to the adults around them.
Recognition like this matters because it helps shine a light on those experiences.
When people vote for EdShift, support our work, share our message, or talk about the impact of domestic abuse on children, they help raise awareness of an issue that too often remains hidden behind closed doors.
This award will not change our purpose. It will not change the work we do each day.
What it does change is our platform.
It gives us another opportunity to start conversations, challenge stigma, raise awareness, and advocate for children and young people affected by domestic abuse. It helps more people discover EdShift, understand why our work matters, and become part of a growing movement that believes every child deserves safety, support, and the chance to heal.
To everyone who voted, supported us, partnered with us, volunteered with us, referred families to us, donated to us, or simply believed in what we are trying to achieve—thank you.
This award may have our name on it, but it belongs to all of you.
Together, we will continue working towards a future where every child is seen, every child is heard, and no child has to navigate the impact of domestic abuse alone.
You must be logged in to post a comment.