A young person who turned to local youth homelessness charity Nightsafe in a time of crisis, who has since become a passionate ambassador for its work, has been recognised for a prestigious national award.
21-year-old Cole Hughes has won the Centrepoint Partner’s Award at the 2025 Centrepoint Awards, which celebrates the remarkable achievements of young people with lived experience of homelessness across the UK.
Nightsafe, a Blackburn-based charity supporting vulnerable 16 to 25-year-olds with housing and tailored support, first met Cole when he was just 16.
Homeless, frightened and unsure of what lay ahead, it took Cole three attempts to ring the shelter’s doorbell, which marked the beginning of his transformation.
Cole moved from Nightsafe’s emergency night shelter to supported accommodation and now lives independently in his own flat. Along the way, he’s grown in confidence, overcome financial struggles, and made huge strides in his mental health and wellbeing.
Now working full-time in residential care to support adults with mental health conditions,Cole also remains active as a volunteer at Nightsafe, working with young people and representing youth voices across the charity.
Upon receiving the award, Cole said: “When I found out I won, the excitement just went from my head to my toes. It was amazing, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think I would make it this far so but now I’ve now almost got my life sorted and I like to think my young self would be giving me a round of applause right now. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me.”
Cole’s dedication was recognised when he was invited to become the Young Person’s Voice on Nightsafe’s Board of Trustees, where he now helps shape the charity’s future.
Jan Larkin, Chief Executive at Nightsafe, said: “Cole is brave, inspiring, and responsible – everything we hope to nurture in the young people we support. He’s gone from being a scared teenager knocking on our door to a leader who uplifts others. His story is one of courage, growth and generosity. We couldn’t be more proud.”
The Centrepoint Awards took place on Monday 13 October at Church House in Westminster with over 100 people in attendance. Television and radio presenter, Gaby Roslin, hosted the awards with performances from singer Ella Eyre and 2016 X-Factor winner, Matt Terry, to complete a special night.
The ceremony highlights the exceptional resilience and success of young people who have faced homelessness. The Partner’s Award, in particular, honours those who not only overcome adversity, but go on to make a lasting impact in their community and beyond.
For more information about Nightsafe and how to support their work with vulnerable young people, visit our How To Get Involved Page
Without the help of our supporters, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
Thank you to all our #NightsafeHeroes.
Recent Articles
Nightsafe youngster honoured at Centrepoint Awards
A young person who turned to local youth homelessness charity Nightsafe in a time of crisis, who has since become a passionate ambassador for its work, has been recognised for a prestigious national award.
Nightsafe seeks volunteers to launch charity committee
Nightsafe is appealing for volunteers to help form a new charity committee to raise funds for vulnerable young people. The homeless charity, established over 30 years ago, is seeking individuals who have the time and skills to help raise much-needed funds to support the young people who access their services.
Nightsafe CEO returns with renewed purpose and calls for support to protect vital services
Nightsafe Chief Executive Jan Larkin has returned to work following cancer treatment with a renewed passion for the charity’s mission and a clear call to action for the community to back young people facing homelessness.
Solar company provide ray of sunshine for Nightsafe
A homeless charity is set to benefit from a donation of solar panels worth £8,000 from a generous local business – which will reduce their electricity bills by up to 30% at one of their housing projects.
Signed Liam Gallagher trainers raise £2450 for Nightsafe
A Blackburn retailer has helped to raise almost £2500 for Nightsafe by raffling off two pairs of limited-edition Liam Gallagher x adidas trainers, signed by the artist himself.