The Co-created DigiDAD Project Wins Two Prestigious National Awards

The North East Young Dads and Lads project won two awards at the Children and Young People Now Awards 2023 for their DigiDAD initiative. Anna Tarrant, Professor of Sociology at the University, is the Director of Future Leaders Fellowship study, ‘Following Young Fathers Further’, whose team has co-created DigiDAD with the North East Young Dads and Lads. Anna has also recently been appointed as the Chair of Trustees for the charity. 

She said: “It was an absolute honour to receive two Children and Young People Now 2023 awards for DigiDAD, an online e-learning platform that was established by the North East Young Dads and Lad and that the Following Young Fathers Further team has been involved in developing with and for young dads.  

“Apparently, we did the unthinkable in scooping two of these prestigious national awards for Youth Work national project of the year and Advice and Guidance national project of the year categories. The awards are testament to the power and value of investing in young dads through compassionate and innovative forms of support.” 

DigiDAD, which was first developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, is a growing online platform which offers free support and guidance to disadvantaged young dads while equipping them with new skills and expertise in film making, animation, research, podcasting, social marketing, video-gaming moderation and digital youth work. 

In his opening address, CYP Now editor Derren Hayes praised the high standard of the 117 entries shortlisted for an award.  

He said: “This event brings together people dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people and it is our honour to celebrate your achievements and this wonderful children’s sector.” 

The ceremony, hosted by children’s TV favourite Cerrie Burnell, took place at Fulham’s Hurlingham Club in London and was attended by almost 600 guests. 

For more information about the awards including the other winners, follow this link: CYP Now Awards 2023: Winners revealed at glittering ceremony | CYP Now