Eagle’s Nest Project provides trauma-informed alternative education for young people facing adversity

A Burton-on-Trent charity that supports disengaged young people through trauma-informed alternative education has been named a finalist in the 2026 Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Awards during Small Charity Week.

Eagle’s Nest Project works with 11 to 18-year-olds facing significant adversity, helping them build confidence, emotional resilience and belief in their ability to succeed through bespoke educational packages agreed with schools or local authorities at its Staffordshire alternative provision centre.

Recognising courage and determination

Jan Appleton, Director of Eagle’s Nest Project, said: “Being named a finalist in the 2026 CSJ Awards is a huge honour. In a sector where profit can too often be the defining motive, we are doing things differently.

“We believe that no young person should be defined by their circumstances, and being a finalist reflects the courage and determination of the young people we work with.”

Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, said: “There’s an army of small charities in some of our most deprived communities across the UK quietly rolling up their sleeves and changing lives.

“The CSJ Awards are the Oscars of the small charity sector, where we celebrate the very best of those unsung heroes who rarely get the recognition they deserve.”

The CSJ Awards recognise innovation and effectiveness in tackling poverty’s root causes. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Westminster this November.