Community Heroes Awards 2026: Amanda Bowen and DIVSS Youth Club win Community Partnership Award
A youth club that has transformed opportunities for young people in rural Lincolnshire has been named the winner of our Community Partnership Award at our Community Heroes Awards 2026.
Amanda Bowen, founder of DIVSS Youth Club in Coningsby, received the award in recognition of her commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and engaging space for local young people and for the strong partnerships she has built to support their development and wellbeing.
Sponsored by Dodd Group, the Community Partnership Award celebrates individuals and organisations that work collaboratively to address local challenges and create positive outcomes for their communities.
Amanda established DIVSS Youth Club in 2023 after recognising that many young people in Coningsby and surrounding villages had limited opportunities to socialise and participate in positive activities outside school.
Named by the young people themselves, DIVSS stands for Diverse, Innovative, Varied Safe Space and reflects the club’s mission to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Since launching, the club has grown significantly, with around 50 young people registered and approximately 30 attending regularly each week. The sessions provide opportunities for young people from a range of backgrounds to build confidence, develop friendships and access activities they may otherwise not have experienced.
The club has also worked closely with us through our Community Chest programme. Funding has helped provide essential equipment to enable young people to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, including camping equipment, cooking equipment and torches, helping remove financial barriers for families.
Amanda Bowen said: “We started DIVSS simply because young people in the village needed somewhere to go and something positive to be part of. We wanted to create a space where they could be themselves, feel supported and know they belonged.
“To receive this award is incredibly special because we never set out looking for recognition. Seeing the confidence the young people gain, the friendships they build and the opportunities they access is what makes it all worthwhile. This award belongs to all the young people, volunteers and supporters who make DIVSS what it is.”
The judges were particularly impressed by Amanda’s commitment to supporting young people who may struggle to access traditional services, as well as the strong partnerships she has developed to broaden opportunities and improve outcomes for local families.
Presenting the award, Lisa Fairlie, our Director of Housing Operations, praised Amanda’s dedication to the community. She said: “Amanda has created something truly special. Through passion, determination and unwavering commitment to young people, she has built a safe and welcoming environment where young people can develop confidence, learn new skills and feel part of their community.
“What makes this award particularly fitting is the way Amanda works collaboratively with partners, volunteers and organisations to create opportunities that might not otherwise exist. The impact she is having on young people and families across Coningsby and the surrounding area is remarkable and thoroughly deserving of recognition.”
Ian Gregory, Electrical Services Director from sponsor’s Dodd Group said: “Dodd Group is thrilled to be sponsoring the Community Partnership Award. It’s a real chance to showcase the achievements of organisations and inspiring individuals who go above and beyond to fulfil genuine needs in their communities, improving people’s lives in a tangible, meaningful way. Every nominee should be proud of the difference they’re making, and we’re proud to recognise their dedication, compassion and impact.”
Amanda’s work extends beyond the weekly youth club sessions, with young people also participating in Duke of Edinburgh Award activities, outdoor learning opportunities and community projects that help develop skills, confidence and aspirations for the future.
The award forms part of our annual Community Heroes Awards, which celebrate the individuals, groups and organisations making an outstanding contribution to communities across the Midlands and Lincolnshire.
Photo caption : Amanda Bowen, founder of DIVS Youth Club in Coningsby, receiving the Community Partnership Award from Lisa Fairlie, Director of Housing Operations at Platform Housing Group.