Emerging Voices Awards winners announced

We are thrilled to announce the winners and runners-up of the 2026 Emerging Voices Awards. To date, 13 young award winners have had opinion pieces published in the Guardian, opening a doorway to their careers and ensuring that their voices are heard on issues that matter to them.

19-25 age category

Winner: Will Parman

In his winning piece, Will argues for a transformation of NHS "Post-it note culture". By allowing patients to co-author their own digital medical records, Will suggests the NHS can ensure greater data accuracy and better health outcomes. The judges praised Will's original angle on a complex and underreported issue. They highlighted his confident voice, strong structure, and the seamless integration of up-to-date research with compelling personal insight. Described as both “true and new,” the piece was seen as emotionally powerful, highly resonant and publishable with minimal edits.

Will's piece has been published in the Guardian. He'll also receive a £1,000 cash prize and be offered work experience at the Guardian.

Runner-up: Emilie Stewart

Emilie’s article highlights the mental health crisis in the Scottish Highlands, where suicide rates often exceed national averages. Emilie calls for a rural-specific strategy, such as mobile therapy teams, to address the unique isolation of young Highlanders.

16–18 Age Category

Winner: Astrid Barltrop

Astrid’s piece calls for reform to the UK history curriculum. She argues that students should move beyond "imperial nostalgia" to study critical colonial history, helping them understand the roots of modern migration and challenge divisive political narratives. The judges said this piece brought a fresh and compelling perspective to the widely discussed issue of colonial history in the curriculum.

Runner-up: Lydia Davenport

Lydia’s piece explores how political rhetoric shapes public perception of immigration. She examines the "disjuncture between perception and reality" regarding migration figures and urges a move toward language that balances emotion with evidence.

This year’s awards had nearly 200 entries on a wide range of topics. From the ethics of AI, to national identity and systemic racism, issues were tackled thoughtfully and passionately, highlighting how important it is for young people from all backgrounds to have their voices heard.

Congratulations to everyone who took part. Thank you to judges Peter Walker, Lucy Knight, Barbara Speed, Becca AcAuley, Jason Okundaye, Polly Toynbee, April O'Neil and Aletha Adu.

Our Emerging Voices Awards form part of our mission to break down barriers to the media industry. By making journalism more inclusive, we amplify and celebrate voices that are too often excluded from the industry. However, as a charity, we cannot run vital programmes like this without support. Find out how you can help us reach more young people here.