YMCA Derbyshire came away with two accolades at the YMCA Youth Matters Awards this month.
At the awards showpiece held on Friday November 18, YMCA Derbyshire was crowned YMCA of the year, and one of its young people, Jamie, was honoured with the Young Achiever of the Year Award.
Since moving into YMCA Derbyshire, Jamie has worked hard to gain confidence, enter education and take on a full-time job, as well as moving into his own accommodation. The richly deserved award is indicative of how far Jamie has come in his journey of development toward a bright future.
Alongside Jamie’s award, YMCA Derbyshire’s success in the YMCA of the Year category recognises how this branch of the renowned youth charity has worked to make a tangible and positive impact on young people and the wider community.
While YMCA Derbyshire has operated across its county for 175 years, it has over the last 12 months scaled up its support for its young people and community members. In the last year, it has provided 362 individuals with accommodation, offered training and education for over 150 young people at YMCA Key College, and provided childcare within five different schools with YMCA Y-Kidz.
Gillian Sewell, YMCA Derbyshire’s chief executive, said: “The team I work with at YMCA Derbyshire are simply outstanding. Day after day lives are being saved, developed, supported, transformed, and enabled. I could not be prouder and more satisfied my colleagues and the achievements of those we serve has been recognised in the most splendid of ways.
“I have also watched Jamie grow since the day he arrived at our YMCA and cannot begin to explain the journey he has been on. He shines so brightly and deserved this recognition so much. I am immensely grateful that he was able to enjoy this moment.”
Photo by Max Kleinen on Unsplash