Youth Work Week 2022 Gallery

I’d like to nominate the Blend Youth Project team for the youth work and alternative education work that we deliver. The team work across Derbyshire with young people from all around Derbyshire and wider. Weekly we offer youth work sessions, alternative education, mentoring, networking, 1-1 support, small groups and outdoor detached work (to name but a few) the team have worked tirelessly through the pandemic and continue to grow and reach more and more communities.

Julie Hayward – TYS manager
Amazing dedicated individual totally committed to youth work who has spent her entire professional life to ensuring young people are seen , heard and invested in. By championing services, training, mentoring and developing the work force and always prepared to have the difficult conversations and stand for Youth Work and Youth Services. Recognition this leader deserves a life time recognition award .

After starting out as a temporary Youth Officer last year with the DFRS Youth Team, congratulations to an amazing Youth Worker Dee Ascroft who will be passing out as a trainee on-call Firefighter with DFRS this week.

I nominate all the staff members at the youth project they have been so much help towards me and other people. If it wasn’t for them this whole thing wouldn’t be here and nothing would be fun and we would just be sat at home bored. I mainly nominate kynton swingle. This is because when I first joined I didn’t no nobody and who anyone was but with kynton talking to me and telling me who he was and what he does I’ve been coming for over a year.

I nominate all the staff members at the youth project they have been so much help towards me and other people. If it wasn’t for them this whole thing wouldn’t be here and nothing would be fun and we would just be sat at home bored. I mainly nominate kynton swingle. This is because when I first joined I didn’t no nobody and who anyone was but with kynton talking to me and telling me who he was and what he does I’ve been coming for over a year.

Passion, Shepshed. At Passion, they have a variety of sessions that the town youth can participate in depending on what they feel they need or want. Passion provides a safe space for our youth to attend and feel welcomed and wanted; staff and volunteers provide various experiences and opportunities to support, engage and encourage young people to make positive choices and prepare them for adulthood. Passion Cafe, in particular, is worthy of recognition. With guidance from Passion staff, the youth of Shepshed runs the cafe. The young people can gain a food hygiene qualification and learn vital, transferable skills such as teamwork, money, cooking, customer service, waiting tables, cleaning, and business management.

Laura Grant of Youth Moves in her natural environment surrounded by young people ensuring they are happy and fed! Laura runs our juniors open access sessions and holiday clubs, taking on the role of ensuring no one suffers holiday hunger. Laura also mentors young people, often going above and beyond with the support she offers. As well as being a key member of our open access staff team Laura also runs various schools groups. You would be hard pressed to find a youth worker who has made such a positive impact to a community as Laura.

In this picture Lilly Moreton is working with a new lad to the session on an art activity around Remembrance Day as it is 11/11/22: Lilly has been around with Youth Moves for many years in various ways. She has grown into a wonderful young lady who just wants to help others.

Mark makes his mark

The attached photo shows Mark who has made a great start with the team hard at work in the music studio. He has inspired many young people over the last month performing lyric writing and music production. This picture shows two lads who have came back tonight for the first time in ages. They have crossed into enemy postcode territory to be with us. They gravitated straight to Mark and he brought them under a spell within minutes.

We love Friday evenings at Youth Moves. We get to do various activities or just chill with friends. This picture shows some boys playing UNO with Mitch one of our older young people who volunteers with a younger generation. Therefore Mitch gets our nomination as volunteer.

On behalf of the Young Volunteers and her team we would like to nominate Mairi for her continued dedication to young people in the organisation. She is an excellent leader and is an inspirational role model. who continually champions the importance of ensuring young people have a voice, are supported in taking leadership roles and are given the opportunity to share their skills through volunteering, social action and placements. She has developed so many partnerships across the Youth sector they are innumerable to mention and continues to raise the profile of the work the incredible young volunteers do in the organisation. So we want to say THANK YOU Mairi for all you do and for your unwavering support.

I would like to nominate this amazing group of young volunteers who give up their time to support our retail shops and our fundraising. The work they do is often unsung, but it is vital as the income they help to raise enables us to support people in crisis through the Power of Kindness. So, a huge thank you for all they do whether that’s sorting stock, working on the till, serving customers, collecting, taking part in or supporting fundraising events or the many other tasks the young volunteers undertake.

I nominate all the youth workers and volunteers at Oxhill youth club. Oxhill youth club celebrated their 60th anniversary in September and without the help of the amazing youth workers and volunteers we wouldn’t be able to keep going and where we are today. They all go above and beyond. huge thanks to Gail ,Joanne, Kyle , Megan, Sarah, Kate ,Niamh, Alyssa , Jasmine , Rachael, Tammy, Liam and Chantelle you are all amazing.

Den is the Head of Youth Work at Youth Moves and have had such an impact on my whole life. I am now a Youth Worker at Youth Moves, but I met Den 14 Years ago when I was young person disengaged with every aspect of my life, everyone was giving up on me, but Den was one of the only ones that didn’t. She supported me more than she will ever realise and now I am working alongside her, and she is still giving me the support to allow me to grow and develop in the Youth Work sector. Den is full of knowledge and expertise in youth work, particularly Youth Participation and will always ensure that young people are at the heart of everything Youth Moves does and will not be afraid to challenge if not. Den is an inspiration young people AND workers!

Levi is a brilliant youth work and a great colleague. He always brings 100% and is willing to go above and beyond for all. Levi is a great inspiration to young people and has/is supporting them through a numerous different projects such as Detached, 1-2-1, Open Access, Youth Opinions, Participation and group work to ensure the needs for the young people are being met across South Bristol and making sure their voices are heard. Levi is a great person to be around as he will make you laugh is minutes and always has some tricks up his sleeve! Levi has support young people to do amazing work in the community including supporting them to decide where funding should be spent in the area. he is a cracking person who I wish you all could meet!

Bronwen is a youth worker from Youth Moves that brings a lot of joy, happiness and belief to young people across South Bristol. She works incredibly hard to ensure that young people are supported through her 1:1 targeted work, group-work with challenging young people at Merchants Academy or bringing her fantastic skills on the streets with the detached project. Bronwen has also recently supported young people in the start up of a new LGBTQ+ project and have secured funding to make this happen. This is a project that Youth Moves did not have before and because of this are now able to broaden the provision for Young people in South Bristol. Bronwen is a real asset to Youth Moves and the young people of South Bristol!

Nabeeha Chaudhry – Nabeeha started with us over 3 years ago and has been a consistent, calming presence within our work. Always willing to lend a listening ear and a fresh perspective, Nabeeha’s presence in sessions are invaluable. From starting out as a volunteer to moving onto a staff member, Nabeeha has been involved in a host of projects from our weekly youth clubs, junior clubs and holiday programmes.

In order to have an impact on the lives of the young people that we are privileged to work with organisations need a great team of youth workers. And behind every great team is usually an awesome leader. Not only do we have a great team of staff here at The Boathouse Youth, we have such a leader in Sarah Lindsay who is our Head of Children & Young Peoples’ Services. She is passionate about the lives of young people in Blackpool, ambitious in supporting the staff team both personally and professionally and makes a difference every day in all that she does.

I am nominating joanna bloomfield, the hospital youth worker for services for young people & West herts teaching hospitals Trust. Joanna works hard within the hospital and community to support all her young people providing a safe environment for young people to explore issues such as emotional wellbeing, identity and healthy relationships, she receives amazing feedback from her young people and other agencies

My name is Samena Mehmood and I am a YW from The Eikon Charity based at a local school in Surrey. Eikon supports young people in Surrey to have the well-being and resilience they need to thrive. I am writing this nomination for an incredible young person that I have worked with since 2018. The young person’s name is Sammy. Sammy is a Young Carer. Sammy and I first met at school through a referral for his emotional health and well-being. Sammy and I worked together to support his emotional health and well-being through one-to-one support, providing him with a safe space to share.
Sammy has participated in a range of activities to provide respite that I had been able to offer young carers such as trips, and residentials, and social action.

In East Sussex over half-term, young people from youth voice groups came together to learn about taking a Social Prescribing Approach to prevention and support for young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Using digital software, young people shared their views on social prescription, how it could work, possible barriers and wider issues within the health and care system, producing some fantastic artwork and video soundbites along the way! The findings fed into Local Authority and NHS discussions about implementing the approach, and the session was delivered in a creative partnership between our County Council, NHS, and voluntary organisation Priority 1-54, through our Sussex Mental Health Improvement strategy #FoundationsForOurFuture

I would like to nominate a project we offer at Smart Works Newcastle which over the last year has supported young women between the ages of 14 – 16. So far, we’ve supported 80 young women; our group work experience days provide a space to develop skills and gain experience employers often seek. We also allocate time for each woman to speak with our coaches to talk about their next steps. This could be anything from building their confidence to career opportunities. We all know the unemployment rates in the Northeast are extremely high, in particular for our young people and women. A truly fantastic piece of work that needs to be celebrated! This opportunity is providing empowerment in the future employment journeys for our local young women

I’m nominating all of 1st Balderton Scout Group. They have been through a tough time with their long standing Group chair, who was also the Group Scout Leader for a long time. They have grown their numbers to now 120 young people. They have come together when leaders have left or moved on to prevent a section from having to close meaning some leaders will be running two nights. They help support each other if one section needs extra volunteers for different reasons and they also offer help and advice to anyone who asks.
They always work hard no matter what the challenge may be and offer the best programme and experiences for all the young people within the group.

Jack Matthews – Jack has been with us for over 18 months now and is currently studying towards a degree in Youth and Community Development. Since coming in Jack has grown in confidence and taken on more responsibility. Over the past few months, Jack has led on our holiday food programme, delivered social action programmes and led our open access youth clubs. His enthusiasm and passion to supporting young people is something to be celebrated!

Ashanti Graver-Adams – Ashanti has been a member of our youth work programme for several years, and recently becoming a Youth Worker in Training. She has grown into a leading light in developing our youth work practice and supporting other young people in the community. She is an outstanding role model to others in the community and really shows the power of youth work on supporting young people.

The youth project Acocks Green plays a massive part in providing children and young people safe spaces in an area that desperately needs it. Not only do the staff and volunteers go above and beyond in supporting children, young people and families. Starting as a community initiative it has gone from strength to strength and has become a really important part of the community.

From delivering youth clubs, mentoring, emotional support workshops, holiday programmes, the Duke of Edinburgh award, the volume of opportunties and support they give to local young people is excellent.

Ben Carpenter from Grassroot Communities in Bristol. His enthusiasm is infectious as he encourages everyone to listen to what young people have to say & supports them to take positive social action in their community. You can find out more about the first GAP course & the young people starting their youth journey on social media @Grassroot_comm #detached #socialaction #Bristol #Closingthegap

I would like to nominate Helen Baxter, out lead youth worker for HKP in hove. The dedication and enthusiasm Helen brings to our youth service benefits so many young people. She has placed together the most amazing term timetables to allow young people to socialise and be in a positive, active environment. As a volunteer team member and young person myself that uses this service I personally think she is outstanding in her work and really shows potential in a brighter future for our community. Helen is very loved at HKP, for her kindness, caring attitude to everyone. She understands young people having different needs and always has a brilliant solution in making sure young people (including me) feel safe and supported. THANKYOU Helen 🙂

I voted for Des Because he always makes me laugh and he’s very friendly

James is a Youth moves staff member and we enjoy coming To Youth moves to Use the facilities we have here. E.G. pool and all other fun things .

I’m nominating The White Horse Project for the amazing work they do for young people in Rossendale! They provide a safe environment for young people to express themselves and have fun. They work in schools, do outreach in the local community and provide a fun filled programme of free activities for young people to join in with! The opportunities they create for young people are wonderful and they really help young people to grow in self confidence, gain new skills, make new friends and enable them to realise their full potential.

DSD – Doing Sports Differently
Our DSD (Doing Sport Differently) group aims to reduce barriers, promote inclusion and most importantly, allow young people with SEND to nurture their passion for sports. DSD isn’t the easiest club to volunteer with – supervision levels need to be heightened, delivery methods needs to be altered and critically thought out so it is all credit to Janine for helping to make the club what it is today. From table tennis to dodgeball, from nerf wars to hockey, Janine has helped us to engage young people in physical activity which has also had knock on effects in improving social skills and confidence.

Sutton on Sea Primary School
We worked with the year 6’s at Sutton on Sea Primary School for five weeks between May and June 22. The young people worked together to find a common cause that would make a difference in their community. They pitched their ideas and voted on litter as the central issue in the area, focusing on its effects on local wildlife. From this, they all came up with different ways to make a difference to the problem and voted on the idea they thought would be the most efficient. They decided to write to the council and ask if they could make the bins on the seafront more interesting and send in their designs. They hope this will encourage people to use the bins more in the area, particularly on the seafront.

Next Steps – Jo Knight
Jo Knight runs a Children in Need-funded project commissioned to improve wellbeing and community belonging. After building links with local community groups and one-to-one work with vulnerable young people, it was clear they all needed a space to be together. So began Moorland Mondays at YMCA Lincolnshire’s youth activity centre at The Showroom’; a free-to-access youth club that can welcome up to 50 young people per night. Activities include sports like dodgeball or volleyball, alongside arts, crafts and much more.

Mablethorpe CLIP

The young people launched their project by completing a litter pick in Mablethorpe town, where they collected 4 bags full. To raise awareness, the group then wrote and recorded a music video aimed at primary school-aged children to encourage them not to litter and to explain the effects on the sea life of littering.
With the help of a professional street artists, the young people have planned and created a series of graffiti boards to cheer up the seafront to remind tourists about the effects of dropping their litter, using the slogan ‘Don’t be mean, keep it clean’, which they put up on the seafront in Sutton-on-Sea.

Three members of the Andrew Marvell Youth Centre joined East Hull Harriers back in March continuing to attend regular training sessions at both East Park on Kneeshaw Park with the support of a Youth Worker who is a runner with the club and a coach they have continued to progress and have entered several races including East Hull Harriers Junior East Park race and a track and field event at Costello (placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in 3000m). All three are also participating in Parkrun and have all brought their times down significantly over the last few weeks. They recently did a sponsored run 28 miles between them and raised £363 for the youth club trip to Flamingo land.

I would like to nominate the KINETIC Youth team at Werrington HMYOI, for the Amazing work and support they provide Young People within the Youth Justice system.

Tayo Olosunde is the Founder and Executive Director MindtheGap Community and Youth Development. He is a project based and youth focused strategic skills development social
entrepreneur.

He is the lead partner on the Grow with Google Prog. and lead mindtheGap to train over 2.5M out of the 10M target. He also led the Google-Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (FMYSD) Covid-19 DigitalFirst Economic Recovery Prog for youth Entrepreneurs

He was the Lead Facilitator of the National Accelerated Youth Development Prog 2013, National Youth Policy 2019, member Commonwealth Youth Prog. Nigeria Board, Advisory Team of the National Youth Investment Fund – NYIF.

He currently serve as Director of Prog. Nigeria Youth Workers Association

We deliver youth work throughout the city supporting and challenging young people to be the best version of themselves. Supporting high levels of emotional health and well being but also providing a ‘second’ home where young people can meet their peers, be creative, have fun and extend their experiences.

I’m nominating the wonderful Sidra who is leading the British Red Cross Youth Engagement Diaspora Project. Sidra is creating co-production space for young people from Diaspora communities to feedback and influence youth engagement opportunities. This is an excellent equity promoting project and Sidra’s thoughtfulness, creativity and passion are key to making it successful, thanks so much!

The Grassroot Activators Programme (GAP) is new year-long modular programme that supports young people in Bristol to be the changes they want to see. It combines taught modules in Leadership, Youth Work, Community Development, Entrepreneurship, Nature Connection and Wellbeing with social action projects in local communities, work placements and mentoring. It aims to provide young people with stepping-stones into training, education and employment based on their identified passion – whatever that may be. Just as importantly, GAP develops young people as active citizens within their own communities and the wider city.

Lindsay Gregory has volunteered for Mary’s Youthwork doing youthwork finances for four years. Her passion for helping young people is outstanding. What a SUPERSTAR.

Tom Barnett Salter is a youth mentor and DJ TBS with the Our Barn Community. His dedication over the past 10 years has been outstanding. His leadership and friendly approach win every time, Tom is a hard worker and a rock-solid force in the community. He shares his knowledge and skills willingly always putting young people first. Tom makes every session fun and is inspirational to all.

Tom leads young people with disabilities and additional needs with natural talent. His ability to connect with our members is incredible. Tom is a top-quality worker within the Hounslow and Richmond Boroughs. His determination and drive make him an easy nominee. He is caring, fun, and trustworthy. All the ingredients of an amazing role model and mentor

I would like to nominate our International Youth Volunteers. These young volunteers are spending up to 5 months in the UK contributing to our work in supporting vulnerable people. These young volunteers are extremely motivated, hardworking and determined to make the most of their experience in order to develop their skills and discover their passions. The growth I have seen from our volunteers already, only 1-2 months into their placements, is impressive and they should all be very proud of their achievements so far! They are really valued in our organisation as people who can bring a fresh, youthful perspective and can help shape our work to ensure we’re keeping young people at the heart of what we do.

My colleague Charlene Brown is passionate about getting the best out of the young people who attend sessions at Forest Road Youth Hub. She goes above and beyond coming up with new activities and events and always has something exciting and creative to offer everyone who comes to the hub

BwD Youth Forum held their 7th annual Takeover Challenge on Child Poverty to over 80 young people from across Blackburn with Darwen. The forum have worked tirelessly to promote their campaign on Child Poverty and ensure that all children and young people have access to the right support, provision. The young people invited key decision makers from Blackburn with Darwen Public Health and Blackburn with Darwen Council. The Youth MP Muhammed Bapu will now feedback at the various strategic boards the solutions and suggestions from the young people who participated in the takeover challenge, along with the BwD Child Poverty Steering group.

The STICK youth work team.

Part of Forward Thinking Birmingham’s early mental health intervention team.

Delivering preventative, early help workshops on topics such as mental health awareness, self care and sleep hygiene.

Simone is responsible for supporting and empowering young people in 1 to 1 and group settings and always goes above and beyond.

I would like to nominate our YPS apprentice Roisa McCusker. Roisa started with YPS in November 2021 in a ring-fenced apprenticeship for a care leaver. Roisa hit the floor running, she is liked by all her colleagues and the children, young people and families she works with. As a care leaver Roisa has lived experience which has enabled Roisa to positively impact changes not only within the Leaving Care service but in the wider adolescent services. Roisa comes to work every day with a huge smile, bundles of energy and lots of amazing ideas and suggestions. She has had a huge impact on our voice forums along with working on our SEND Inclusion project for children and young people with disabilities.

I am nominating Sam Cunningham one development workers for the Services for Young People, development team. He works hard to deliver support to young people across Hertfordshire for LGBT and Sexual Health and leads on these pieces of work for the service. His hard work is really appreciated across the team.

I am nominating Jennifer Hawkes the Hospital Youth Worker for Services for Young People and the East and North Herts Trust. She works hard to ensure that young people receive appropriate support at the time they need it the most. She receives amazing feedback from young people and they appreciate her support

I would like to nominate hospital youth work SfYP they are an amazing project which support young people in the community around their wellbeing and physical health, the team are dedicated to each young person they work with (over 700 this year)

All Saints Youth Project is a well-established charitable organisation that has been serving the community of Kings Heath, (Birmingham) and surrounding areas for over 25 years. We have developed a very good reputation within the locality and are seen as a reliable service providing a range of recreational and informal educational activities, as well as emotional support services for young people and their families. All Saints is an inclusive youth project that welcomes young people of all backgrounds and abilities. We deliver a range of services including: young people’s drop-in sessions, young peoples structured youth work sessions, social sessions older adults with disabilities and additional needs, and parent courses and counselling.

Tom Cole – Young Fathers worker and Donna Niman – Senior Youth Worker – for some great work training youth workers (level 3) from the Orthodox Jewish community in Salford. They have done this on top of their busy day jobs and their ability to work in an culturally sensitive way with this community and build trusting relationships has been fantastic. The trainees have said they have been using what they have been learning on the course on a daily basis in the schools and youth organisations they work in, in their community.

Rosey Mowatt is All Saints Youth Projects gifted and talented. Her artistic flare and creativity is nothing short of outstanding. Rosey’s has a natural talent to sketching, from freestyle to portraits her output and artistry ability knows no bounds. Rosey carriers a sketchbook on her person and can always be found to working on a ongoing masterpiece. Her work is widely admired and staff and peers look to her for inspiration and nurturing in arts and crafts. Rosey also has a love for English literature and is quite the poet.
Rosey’s passion and talent has been anchor and the beginning of birthing many of the projects creative sessions. We are super excited to see where her creative talents lead in her future prospects.

I’m nominating the awesome Strategy through a Youth Lens team at the British Red Cross. They are meeting the challenge of engaging hundreds of young people in our strategic causes of Our Planet, Health Inequalities, Migration and Displacement, Disasters and Emergencies, Our People and Building a Movement. Dave, Louise and Annemarie are super dynamic creating brilliant co-production opportunities and using the power of youth work approaches to influence the whole organisation. Thanks so much for everything you do.

Roger Wood, Roger has volunteered as the chair of yatton youth club’s management committee for 10 years.

He has tirelessly worked for the charity, project managing refurbishments and supporting the youth club as a whole.

Anthony Phillips first came to All Saints Youth Project as a pre-teen. He is about to commence around 8yrs attending the youth sessions. Over the course of this period Anthony’s engagement has grown year on year. He has additional needs and he has never let this be a barrier to his participation. He is valued by all peers new and existing, youth workers at all levels and wider stakeholders. When onsite he supports all with assisting in the set up and breakdown of sessions and much more. He befriends and supports newbies, to make them feel welcome. Nothing is to big or to small for him, he is a real staple within the project. More recently, he confidence has grown exponentially in academic attainment and wider engagement ion the community.

Youth Opinions are a group of young people from across South Bristol that work incredibly hard to ensure that young people’s voices are not only heard, but acted upon as well. Youth Opinions, as a project will be 15 years old this year and the young people have achieved incredible things and made such a positive impact on thousands of other young people. The project started up as a youth voice project for Youth Moves and now involved in various local and national projects to ensure it is youth-led and young people are making the crucial decisions. They go out and monitor the quality of youth provision across the area, give out funding to other young people to run their own projects and also set up their own projects that is needed!

Our Young Volunteer Task Force
As they attend as many of our youth groups and events as possible, with some supporting for over 12 hours per week!

They support with a variety of tasks including planning, leading and setting up activities in our sessions, welcoming children in to the sessions, running our tuck shop, making displays and helping with admin duties like poster making and general house keeping like making sure the bins are emptied, toilets are stocked up etc.

Our Young Volunteers are a delight to work with and they are so passionate about volunteering and making a difference in the community.

We partner with the Scouts who believe every act of kindness has the power to transform society and make it easier for everyone to get the help they need. Supported by the British Red Cross, they show kindness to those who most need it at home and overseas, and encourage others to do the same.

There have been over 25,000 Scouts involved taking part in acts of kindness in their community including supporting care homes during COVID19, raising awareness of Loneliness, creating Kindness jars and supporting Kindness in the name of HM The Queen.

Thank-you for all your acts of kindness.

We partner with the Scouts who believe every act of kindness has the power to transform society and make it easier for everyone to get the help they need. Supported by the British Red Cross, they show kindness to those who most need it at home and overseas, and encourage others to do the same.

There have been over 25,000 Scouts involved taking part in acts of kindness in their community including supporting care homes during COVID19, raising awareness of Loneliness, creating Kindness jars and supporting Kindness in the name of HM The Queen.

Thank-you!

Our fantastic network of 30 On Campus groups fundraise, raise awareness of Humanitarian Issues, undertake missing maps and more to support our Humanitarian Cause – thank-you to everyone involved!

I would like to nominate the British Red Cross Youth Leadership Team. This small group of young people have come together to advocate for the young volunteers in the British Red Cross. They meet monthly online to drive forward projects, such as the youth conference, working with BRC comms and how young people can be more involved in the BRC.
In October this year they ran a spectacular youth conference. Held in the beautiful Welsh countryside they brought together just under 100 young BRC volunteers to decide upon the priorities of the young volunteers within the BRC, reconnect after 3 years and come up with ideas to change the world! It was such an inspiring and fantastic event and the YLT were the main drivers of the project.

The partnership project between The Market Place and Emerge Leeds involves Youth Workers seconded from the Voluntary Sector to the NHS. The Youth Workers are based within a team of Therapists, Care Coordinators, Occupational Therapists and Peer Support Workers, working together with young people aged 18-25 who have ‘complex emotional needs’. The Youth Workers develop a therapeutic relationship to support young people to think about their identity, their place in the world and their futures, working to build their confidence, find new interests, get involved with positive activities and develop healthier relationships. They bring Youth Work values to the team, ensuring that young people’s views and voices are at the forefront of the work.

Lynn brings so much positive energy to every single session at The Feathers. You will find her helping and supporting young people across the whole centre – From playing sports to cooking up a storm in the kitchen!

Lynn will always find time to provide valuable 1-1 support for young people (and other staff, if needed!). It’s that caring approach that really makes Lynn a special member of our Team!

I would like to nominate Bolton Participation Team and the wonderful group of young people at Bolton Youth Voice.

Within our Youth Voice Group, we host a Children in Care Council, Care Leavers Forum, Youth Council, Youth Members of Parliament and Healthy Minds Youth Project, all young people who belong to these groups show determination, passion, commitment to represent the voices of young people in Bolton.

The Bolton Youth Voice Action Groups work very closely with senior leaders in Bolton to empower and change policy for children and young people, most recently they have planned, delivered and hosted a Youth Environment Summit and a Mental Health Day event for young people in Bolton to influence change.

They are just amazing!!

I would like to nominate our incredible youth teams: the youth engagement team, the youth leadership team and our youth volunteers. They have helped us to become a learning organisation by bringing new approaches, new thinking and diverse and inclusive voices. Their constructive and honest challenge has helped us to really hear the voices of our young staff and volunteers, meaning that we have greater understanding and insight when making decisions which impact our young colleagues. We are better informed and stronger as result of the wisdom shared by the youth teams and the influence they have brought. Our young colleagues are a critical part of our organisation, and their contribution is vital to our success.

My line manager Manik Miah.

Always one step ahead when it comes to work and providing services for young people. Whether its young people’s development socially, physically or creatively, he is always there to help staff and young people.
Currently, I am studying for my Level 3 Diploma in Youth work, and he always gives me friendly tips and advice about how to progress or develop. Throughout, the Youth Work festival he has been contacting young people to attend our celebration night and contacting staff. He is generous, and kind and always ready to take on work.

Evie Davey.
Evie organised a fundraising event in the Spring at our Airplay youth group. The young people a our youth group wanted to have t-shirts instead of the hoodies because it gets too hot in the summer to wear the hoodies. Evie asked if she could organise a fundraising evening to raise funds for the t-shirts, so that they would be no cost to the young people or their parents. Evie wrote letters to local businesses to gather raffle prizes, she organised for bingo to be played and wrote a quiz for the evening. She planned out and found recipes for cakes, which we made the day before. The event was a massive success and raised £416!!!!! This, I believe, was solely down to Evie’s hardwork and determination.

I would like to nominate our Safe Mates programme, including the Youth led steering group, the On Campus teams, the Peer trainers and all those involved in this project. The project provides a Peer-to-peer Safe Hubs at events supporting young people when they need someone to talk to, for themselves or to help their friends.
The young people are amazing and really make a difference. I would like to thank them for all of their time, enthusiasm and really showing “The power of Kindness

The Berkshire Youth team for working so hard to support, empower and inspire the county’s young people through life-enriching activities, programmes and opportunities to Berkshire’s young people.

Last week, we celebrated the official opening of Waterside Centre – our newest flagship youth club. The centre reopened last summer, and has already welcomed thousands of people through its doors. A very strong youth leadership team has been established, and young people in the area can now enjoy a wide range of activities, including paddle sports, climbing and a new youth cafe.

This week, we are organising our first Youth Worker Meet Up session for Berkshire’s youth workers – https://www.berkshireyouth.co.uk/youth-worker-meet-up-session

I would like to nominate the Dacorum Services for Young People LGBT+ project. This project is a safe space for LGBT+ young people to get support and discuss any issues. Sessions are delivered on rights, positive sexual health choices, lifestyle, jargon used in the community and lots more. All Services for Young People youth work projects and programmes enable young people to learn new skills, increase their knowledge and develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

“The Services for Young People LGBT+ project has helped me to accept myself as a trans guy as well as allowing me to connect with other LGBT+ young people.”

“The LGBT+ project has helped me to explore and better understand my identity in a safe environment”.

I am nominating my colleague George. He has a passion to help positively impact the young people we work with at the gap* (youth charity) and always goes above and beyond his job role. One of his many gifts is helping young men realise their potential and is a caring mentor providing a safe listening space for the young people he works alongside. George is a great believer in getting the young men he works with to talk and share, helping go against stereotypes that men should be ‘brave and not share their emotions’. George is a great activator in healthy mental health and well-being using his musician gifts creating rap and music with his young people in a project he runs called ‘The Studio’. We love you George, thank you for being awesome!

Kelsy has been volunteering with the Blaydon Inclusive Youth Group for over 6 years now, Kelsy Is a valued and respected volunteer, she has built a very strong professional relationship with the young people within the group. Kelsy has physical disabilities and uses a motorised wheelchair, this however has never stopped Kelsy from turning up to volunteer each week without fail and give her all in each session. Kelsy from turning up to volunteer each week without fail and give her all in each session. Kelsy is brilliant with the young people, she has a kind, friendly nature but ensures boundaries are in place with the group and remains professional at all times.

Young people from Rossendale spent time volunteering with Rawtenstall Civic Pride, to participate in the Rawtenstall in Bloom competition. 12 young people became involved in the planning for the project and created designs for the stencils. 4 young people attended sessions to chalk paint their designs on to the grass verge and worked on the Sparrow Park flowerbeds. 4 young people were then invited to judge the shop window displays and then attend a celebration event, hosted by Rossendale Radio, where they presented the winners with their prize. Rawtenstall won a gold award and the silver Heritage Cup! Outcomes were participation in positive opportunities, increased civic responsibility and pride, building confidence and self-esteem.

Our nomination is for Silx Employability Project. The project works with young people aged 16-25 around barriers that may be preventing them from progressing. In the last year the project has gone from strength to strength supporting young people with training, job searches, applying for benefits and also offering support, advice and guidance with issues personal to them. In the last year our CSCS training courses have been very popular with over 65 young people obtaining their CSCS card and a large percentage going on to find work or gain a further accreditation with the project. The project go the extra mile providing lots of additional support to ensure the young people that attend the project reach their full potential!

Our fantastic “Aquarius Stars” are a peer lead group of young people who support our services in Birmingham. Through their hard work and commitment, they have been able to support others by providing us with a range of feedback on various aspects of the services we offer for young people. Throughout this year they have organised and facilitated lots of events from day trips, recruitment days, funding decisions, the list goes on and on. They go above and beyond to empower, encourage and engage with others receiving support from our service. Well done to Aquarius Stars

I would like to nominate our youth engagement team, for ensuring that the youth voice is heard and really listened to at British Red Cross. The opinions of our young people – both staff and volunteers – are an essential part of our growth and development as an organisation, and I have witnessed first-hand the passion with which many of youth team members speak about matters that require action – both in the BRC and in the broader external context. Well done, team, for all the great work you do and for your energy and commitment.

We are nominating Lennox Lovell-Henderson who is one of our young volunteer youth workers. Lennox has volunteered with Oor Space since opening our doors in October 2021, and committed to well over 100 hours of volunteering in that time! He has also received a Saltire Award for his effort!

Lennox is a kind, funny, and compassionate young guy – We couldn’t be more proud of him!

Members of 1st Upper Dearne Valley Navigators for coming together and working to develop a community that is theirs and they belong to.

The group has worked hard at developing drumming and circus skills this autumn for inclusion in a wider community event – Light Up The Woods, in the HD8 area of Huddersfield.

You people are developing individual and team skills through these activities, and this results in a sense of belonging and cohesion in their group.

Through social media in local groups, the young people are improving the image of youth in the community.

Wigan Youth Zone
For everything Wigan Youth Zone has done and is doing for the young people from open access universal sessions to targeted youth work. From supporting young people with the challenges of Post Covid to supporting young people with the cost of living crises.
Wigan Youth Zone provides a 7 day a week offer for young people and currently engaging 6000 active members with 200 young people a night in attendance.
Wigan Youth Zone provides a holistic approach and looks at the challenges that impact young people from home, school and personal lives.

Child Dynamix youth team work in one of the most deprived areas of Hull.
The team have consistently, over the past 15 years, supported young people to reach their potential.
The team work creatively to meet the needs of young people, build on their interests to help them to develop social, emotionally and to informally educate. Art, music, sport, cooking and nature have all been used to capture the imagination of young people, encouraging engagement and improved levels of participation.
Financial challenges only motivate the team to secure funding and work harder to ensure that the young people we work with continue to receive the best possible support to enable them to succeed

My nomination is for Laura Wood, Youth Team Leader at Free 2 Talk CIC. Laura came into post in the Spring 2022 and has ignited the passion and “can do” attitude in our youth team. The team have worked tirelessly without break through Covid and then through recovery to a new normal. They were exhausted and needed new leadership.
Laura has rebuilt the team, enhanced the dynamic and developed their sense of belonging and purpose as an exciting offer for young people in disadvantaged communities in Northampton.
Laura’s anti-oppressive practice has also developed the centrality of youth voice within the team. Our young leaders are now inspiring others to create real social change through Co-production in the ICS and Social Work Practice.

The amazing youth works, volunteers and especially young people who lead on our core projects, Fylde Coast IWDFestival, Fylde Coast International Men’s Day, Blackpool Youth Pride and our new youth group Synergy.
The Fylde Coast is a beacon for outstanding youth and community work, co production is like a piece of Blackpool rock, cut us in half and it runs straight through us!

John bligh harthill youth club liverpool. Outstanding young person freindly youth centre. Inclusive to all outstanding results in supporting young people

To all our YP:

Peebles had a gap for the group of young people in the middle of the scale, they don’t feel as though they belong with the high achievers, but equally, they don’t feel they fit in at the other end and therefore felt like there was nothing for them. A small grant allowed a group of volunteers to change this for them, by giving young people the opportunity to share experiences and have social interactions with other young people who have similar interests, they began to develop their sense of belonging and connection with others. This belonging supported the development of their confidence and resilience which was evident in the way they began to communicate with not only with staff and volunteers but with themselves.

I would like to nominate Michelle Borerwe our Youth Programme Manager at Active Horizons. Michelle has done outstanding work supporting young people during the Covid times and post lockdown. By providing immerse support organising activities so that young people do not feel isolated. She organised emotional support activities, helped them stay motivated during difficult times.

She went above and beyond selflessly putting the needs of young people first. Michelle is a pillar, a friend and also a professional Youth Worker who strives to ensure that young people stay safe and also thrive to be the best they can be.

I am proud to nominate Michelle as she deserves the recognition.

I would nominate Hartcliffe Club For Young People who deliver a junior club programme and holiday playscheme for young people aged 8 t 11 years .Two members of my family attend the project and have gained so much from being part of this wonderful organisation .THey have both grown in confidence and tried new activities that without this club they would never have had the opportunity ,the skills and self esteem they now have is down to the staff team who persevere and support young people to participate and make new friends with energy, humour ,patience and care .

I would like to nominate hartcliffe club for young people in recognition of the fantastic support and opportunities they provide for young people and their families in the communities of south bristol.The club has been running as a charity since 1965 , with the dedication and energy of the volunteers and staff a programme of activities ,events and a programme that both stimulates and motivates young people to achieve their full potential would not be possible .huge respect to the project from the communities of hartcliffe and withywood in Bristol

My nomination is for a youth worker whose enthusiasm is infectious and who holds me (and my big ideas) to account! A working partnership strengthened through the pandemic, she is simply the youth worker I want beside me most. Great with young people, campaigning spirit for better, and supportive of all youth work – she deserves a mention in youth work week.

I wish to nominate Aaliyah Glasgow, our co-founder at DICE. Aaliyah has been committed to supporting young people to reach their full potential and find opportunities that better themselves, since the age of 17 years old after going through her own journey. 8 years later she remains committed to supporting young people/communities. Despite having her own personal mental health challenges and having to adjust her lifestyle, she still shows up effortlessly to do what she does best. Aaliyah makes sure that everyone she works with/support feels heard, valued and supported as she knows from her own personal experience the importance of this in any young persons journey. We thank Aaliyah for always showing up and putting others before herself.

Vanessa Rogers – an incredible Youthworker , activist and generally amazing human!!

I would like the opportunity to nominate the 22 amazing young people who form our Newcastle Youth Panel. This committed group of young people incredibly help the Council to make decisions about the Youth Provision we fund across the city of Newcastle. This group of young people, many of which are now in the 2nd Year assess bids during their summer holidays and give up their evenings to attend meetings, training and social evenings. They help elevate the Voice of young people in the City and ensure we are deploying our resources effectively and to the young people we know require the most support.
I am proud of every single young person on the panel, who have all been on a journey, supporting each other as friends and mentors.

I am nominating our Youth Engegment Officer – Brian Ngure .

Brian is a young person who works tirelessly. He ensures that everything is perfect and carries a meaningful message. He works odd hours to ensure his work is up to the standard without getting any overtime pay. He is patient and always willing to learn by accepting constructive criticism. He never misses deadlines and he is a teamworker.

Brian Ngure is also a young person who have condinated and facilitated a six month young people capacity building trainning. He did not miss a session which was been carried out every week on Wednesday for six month. He was consistence and engaging one hundred young people.

Anam Hoque has been a outstanding youth and.community worker for the past 30+ years. Only last month he was recognised and received the Freedom of the city award for his work with young people and youth organisation, training and development and international aid work volunteering. Anam has always been someone who gives his time and efforts to help youth workers and organisations improve and offer better quality in their youth work. He has been a champion for youth work for the BAME and faith based youth work an area which needs a lot more work to change the opportunities BAME youth workers get in society and Anam continues to fight for this.

Firebreak youth intervention scheme.
A 5 day scheme working with 12 young people of secondary school age, from a range of backgrounds, diverse needs and behaviors. Throughout the week students learn a number of firecraft skills including ladder work, hose work, overcoming fear of heights, wearing breathing apparatus and other practical fire craft skills. Vital first aid training is provided, as well as the opportunity to eat together twice a day, ensuring positive nutrition. Other sessions include communication and the consequence of decision making. Students gain two accredited AQA awards and the week culminates in a pass out event attended by families, guardians, school, district council and fire service leaders.

I would like to nominate the youth team at Children Always First.
Fire in their bellies and youth work in their hearts, this team always push for more when it comes to supporting their young people within the foster care system.

The youth team at children always first always strive to put a smile on the faces of their young people, advocate for their needs and create new and exciting opportunities for young people to experience. They are a one of kind team!

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Youth Service Team
This is a new team set up in March 2022 to support young people aged 11 to 25 years with long term health conditions. Based in a hospital we work alongside a multi disciplinary team made up of Consultants, Specialist Nurses, Dieticians, Physios and Occupational therapy as well as Psychology. This is a new innovative approach in supporting young people through their health care transition as well as everything else going on in their lives. We also can support all young people who are inpatients through our universal offer.
The impact already has been amazing!

Men of Honour – The Men’s Board
The Men’s Boardroom is a program for adolescent boys and young men which promotes good behaviour through positive decision making among the boys. The program has created a platform for positive interactions as well as coaching, mentorship and sensitization sessions on various topics. It is q know fact that the majority of crime is committed by male, the majority of people in prison are male, the majority of sexaul assault offenders are male, the majority of drug and substance abuse are male and the lost goes on. This project helps to curb these challenges and help adolescent boys and young men develop into responsible and honourable members of society.

I would like to nominate Jack Rice for an award. Jack is new to youth work, and has recently started on his JNQ professional qualification with YFNW. Since joining our service in June, Jack has embarked in a different direction of his career, he has moved from education to youth work, which is a massive bonus for youth work. Jack is a detached youth work, working in some challenging communities, Jack is reactive, fast thinking and becoming an SAS detached youth worker. He has recently been promoted to the team leader and is developing his own style of detached youth work, leading others and making a difference.

I would like to nominate our ‘Arlo Allotment’ Project as a fantastic example of a collaborative, organic response to need-which reaps the most gorgeous outcomes. This small & focussed project is currently funded by Brook Charity. Working in partnership with other services, we have developed a thriving allotment space at our Arlington Park site. This space is ideal for nurture & thrive work to take place with young people.
The ultimate aim of the project is to improve the mental & physical health & wellbeing of young people, whilst also providing them with learning, experiences & opportunities that raise aspirations. The feedback from children, parents, grandparents, schools, social care-from anyone who has visited is 100% positive!

Kianu Glasgow –
Nominating Kianu for using her lived experience and passion to co-found a youth led service, set up by young people for young people.
Also for remaining resilient and enthusiastic in her youth work journey, starting from the age of 17 up to now! Being a supportive mentor to young people using her professional and creative experience and skills.

We would like to nominate our Arts Award festival project. A project where young people from Nottingham created a performance about what matters to them! not only that they did this while achieving an Arts Award. The theme of their performance was the environment, asking what will the world look like if climate change is not reversed. The energy and dedication of the young people in this project was fantastic.

I would like to nominate Les Moss who is the Director and Project Manager of the relatively new youth organisation Rewilding Youth.
Les is not only an amazing youth worker with a long history of working with young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of our city (Hull), but he is also an inspirational mentor for the other youth workers in his team and beyond.
Les has worked in several youth projects across the city but it is his role as an advocate for getting young people outside and connecting with nature that he has really excelled in. From leading a successful youth work partnership to deliver a 5 year National Lottery funded Youth in Nature programme, he then set up the community interest company Rewilding Youth

I would like to nominate everybody and everything Mahdlo Youth Zone! The young people who access our youth offer never fail to inspire and amaze our team of Youth Workers and Volunteers. The ongoing support and opportunities provided for young people in Oldham by Mahdlo Youth Zone have saved and changed lives for over ten years. It would be amazing to recognise the hard work that our Youth Workers, young people and volunteers, especially during Youth Work Week 2022.

I am nominating Paul Weston from Portsmouth City Council’s youth service. Paul has had a busy year training up as an expedition assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh Award so he can support the young people who use our service to take part in the programme. He has also put together a training programme for the young people so they are prepared with the necessary skills to attend an expedition and achieve their award. Alongside this, Paul managers the Rant Music Studio, which is a professionally equipped recording facility offering vulnerable young people a range of opportunities to get involved with music, whether they want to sing, rap, or learn about making beats!

I would like to nomiante Gina Weston, she is our new particiaption worker here at MYA in Knowsley. She started with us late Sept, she is new to formal youth work, however experienced in working with YP in the care sector. Talk about hitting the ground running, Gina hit the ground running and jumping & has been incredible! she has embarked on her JNC qualification with YFNW & has took over facilating and empowering our youth council. She has recruited new members, been to her first house of commons sitting, fitted into our wider team & started working on a festival of youth for National YW week. Gina is fun, engaging, empowering and the young people have nothing but great things to say about her. she encourages them to play and be creative.

I would like to nominate my x3 trustees, Susannah Moffat, Sandra Dowling and Vicki Schmidt. They are the unsung hero’s of The Claygate Hub/charity. We are currently x2 trustees down (2 have stepped down due to personal reasons) and they have picked up their work as well, they also all volunteer on Youth Hub sessions. All the work the trustees do is voluntary but it wouldn’t function without them. I, as the manager and the youth leaders are the faces of The Hub and get all the credit they get a lot of work done in the back ground. These 3 women are forces of nature and could rule the world. Its time our trustees got some recognition and I’d love you to choose them.

Alfie Goodwin
Youth Worker at Inspire
He is incredibly dedicated to youth work and manages to create an engaging and exciting environment for all the young people we have visiting. He always gives 150% and the young people look up to him in the centre. Alfie is an inspiration to all of us and we are incredibly thankful for his hard work.

I nominate the whole of the Centenary Project, which include the central team and workers across the diocese. Our workers are based in parishes in the poorer parts of the diocese, to see a step change in ministry with children, families and young people. Over the past 7 years, we have seen over 60 parishes benefit from a worker who is dedicated to establishing teams of volunteers, building links with schools and communities, initiating new groups for toddlers, children and young people alongside nurturing those in discipleship groups. We have connected with over 9,000 children and young people through our groups and many more through schools and events.

Project – Domestic Abuse Coercive Behaviour
I am nominating Doncaster Participation Officers for their support with the Youth Council in developing their #ReduceDomesticAbuse campaign. As young people who are all dedicated to their education, they have voluntarily and passionately committed to hours of planning in order to address this issue tastefully and sensitively. Their work supported by the Participation Officers led to the creation of a film based on coercive and controlling behaviour, an art piece which depicts the emotional trauma attached to an abusive relationship, and a media campaign which featured digital bus stop posters designed by the Youth Council.

We have a Young volunteer that has been an attendee, undertaken Young volunteer traing via Young Bristol, Is a member of Youth Voice and also spoke (last minute at The NYA conference in Bristol, hosted by Young Bristol.)

Tremaine Brown is a joy to work with as he is always ready to help, excellent at engaging with his youngers and also his peers. He identifies as a member of staff and is capable of running his own sessions within the programme. I am so pleased to have Tremaine as one of my staff, he is a credit to himself and to us, as shown by Mayor Marvin Rees interest in having discussions with him after meeting him.

I would like to nominate hartcliffe club for young people for recognition in national youth work week .The centre is in the heart of the communities of hartcliffe and withywood which are both recognised as being areas of high derivation .The centre is a national charity that relies totally on fundraising to continue the youth projects since its formation nearly 50 years ago and has worked with generations of young people aged 8 to 19 years .The project delivers sessions to different age groups 8 to 11 yrs 12 to 14 yrs 15 to19 yrs and with specific sessions for young people with additional needs ,holiday activity schemes ,training courses trips and special events for children and their families to improve the opportunities available to them

I am nominating Sarah Parkhouse, the manager for SfYP Hospital Youth Work Project. Sarah oversees all the amazing work the team does across the county to support young people with their social emotional wellbeing. The project is well managed and wouldn’t be possible without her support and without her vast experience and knowledge of working with young people.

Hospital youth work service. They’re an amazing service that have supported CCATT and young people with mental health crisis’ for some time. We have only ever got good feedback from the young people and they’re always a pleasure to work with as colleagues.

I would like to nominate the hospital youth work team – who collaborate and support young people who have attended a and e due to being in e.g. mental health crisis, – hyw team offer amazing support utalising differing means of communication which really supports young people to opt in and communicate in their preferred way. They are on hand for face to face support, sign posting, social prescribing and group work – an excellent team who deserve accolades for their hard work and dedication.

I nominate SfYP hospital youth work, the project works across Hertfordshire with young people 11-21 who access the NHS Trust needing support around their social and emotional wellbeing

Peer2Peer Education give paid working opportunities to young people aged 18-30 to deliver peer-led workshops, assemblies and one-to-one peer mentoring sessions to other young people.

P2P also offer Reverse Mentoring programmes where young mentees are given the opportunity to recieve work placements inside corporate organisations in exchange for their insights into diversity and inclusion.

I would like to nominate Be The Change because it is a youth organisation which is black led and works with the most disadvantaged young people across Bolton especially those from ethnic backgrounds who do not attend mainstream youth provision.

Without organisation like Be The Change many of these youth we support will be on the wrong side of the law, but through the services we provide such as weekly sports and fitness activities, regular drop-in youth club nights young people are taken away from the streets and supported into becoming valuable members of the society.

Izzy Russell from onside she works with horizon youth zone

I am nominating our award-winning Choices & Consequences programme- a tour of our immersive and innovative exhibition.
The exhibition has been open since 2012, and since its opening we have welcomed over 24,000 young people. We educate young people on the dangers of knife crime and help them to make positive choices to stay safe. Our exhibition tour follows the journey of both the victim and the offender through a series of unique and immersive experiences to show young people how choices and consequences are intrinsically linked.

Our workshops change young people’s attitudes to knife crime; debunking the myth that carrying a knife will protect you. They strengthen peer values; ensuring young people give better advice to each other safe

Paul McKenzie who has for over 25 years worked to support young people. His film making over the years was created in his own time with no funding that has gone on to been used nationally in schools and in professional training as educational tools. He has raised awareness on “chicken shop” grooming plus making films which give young people a voice to express themselves. We feel it’s time Paul’s work was commended as he is way too humble! We feel honoured to have a great talent as Paul part of our team and know many people will say the same as he has such a strong passion for making an impact!

I would like to nominate Mohammed Azeem. A youth worker and mentor, who always goes beyond that extra mile with all the young people he works with. Azeem works at the college as well as in youth centres, sports clubs and in hospital with young people who are in crisis. He really is a beacon of light in Bradford. He has not only supported and empowered young people, he has provided mentoring to several youth work students on placement over the years to become youth workers and continues to support staff around him at all times. Azeem possess a natural ability to Relate to disengaged young people using his trauma informed practice when working with young people. It is really an honour to work alongside him over the last several years.