Make Happen have been named winner of the HEIST Award for Collaboration of the Year 2026, celebrating an inspiring partnership with Bridgeway Mission that is helping refugee learners build confidence, skills and brighter futures.
The award recognises outstanding collaboration that goes beyond traditional partnerships to deliver meaningful impact. The winning Bridgeway Homework Club brings together Make Happen’s higher education expertise with Bridgeway’s deep community insight to support young people whose education has been disrupted.
Through weekly Maths and English sessions, learners strengthened their GCSE knowledge while building confidence and understanding of the UK education system. Workshops on higher education, student finance, support services and careers delivered by the team alongside University of Essex Student Ambassadors introduced new possibilities and provided relatable role models for the children.
When language barriers affected initial evaluation, Make Happen responded by redesigning feedback forms using simplified English, visual prompts, supported discussion, and the use of emoticons. This accessible approach achieved more than 90% participation in feedback, while providing valuable insight to improve delivery.
Termly celebration events also brought together learners, their families, Bridgeway volunteers and community leaders to recognise achievements and strengthen parental understanding of UK education and careers.
And the partnership is continuing to grow! Make Happen is now supporting mentor training at a local sixth form, helping sustain the Homework Club and extend its impact into 2026-27 whilst providing the sixth form students with great voluntary experience for their CVs and personal statements.
This gold award is a brilliant recognition of what the Make Happen team, Bridgeway Mission, our Student Ambassadors and everyone involved have achieved together. Most importantly, it celebrates the young people at the heart of the programme and the futures they are building.
Thank you to the HEIST judges for choosing Make Happen and Bridgeway as their Collaboration of the Year 2026!
By Ash Poole, Deputy Head of Make Happen