From BBC Award Winners to BBC Judges: Our 2026 Journey Begins

We're thrilled to share some incredible news: I've been appointed as a judge for the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026—the same awards Crowned with Care won in 2025.

What This Means

Winning the BBC Make a Difference Award last year changed everything for us. It validated the work we're doing, opened doors to incredible partnerships, and gave us a platform to expand our reach. Now, being on the judging panel means we get to help find and celebrate the next wave of change makers across the UK.

The Journey So Far

When we started Crowned with Care, the mission was simple: ensure that Black and Mixed Heritage children in the care system have access to professional hair care, education, and products. These children are often placed with carers who lack the knowledge and resources to maintain textured hair—and many go months without proper care.

In our first year, we:

• Delivered multiple community-based hair care events

• Supported children, carers, and families with practical education and resources

• Won the BBC Make a Difference Award 2025

• Appeared on BBC's The One Show

Looking Ahead

This year, we're scaling up. We're running two major events in March and April 2026, serving 60 children across London and Leicester. We've partnered with Penguin Random House, who are donating 100 books so every child leaves with both professional hair care and a book that celebrates their identity.

Being a BBC judge while continuing to build Crowned with Care feels full circle. We're not just benefiting from recognition—we're now part of helping others get that same platform.

If you know someone making a real difference in their community, nominate them for the BBC Make a Difference Awards. Recognition matters. It changes lives.

What's Next

Stay tuned for updates on our 2026 events. We're seeking sponsors, recruiting hairstylists, and registering children. This is just the beginning.