Meet our Award Winners

Ellie, Youth Leadership Manager:  We nominated Abigail as she has had a huge impact since joining us a year ago - she has been so committed attending at least weekly if not twice a week to volunteer on various pieces of work - and most recently Abigail helped our strategy by helping us to recognise our engagement part of our model is actually community building. This has really shifted and celebrated our work in such a powerful way and that is all down to Abigail and her input.

Shipon, Peer Education Manager: Shanti came with a group of young people for their work experience placement, and they were created a peer education film around issues that impact them. The whole did so well, we wanted to give them an opportunity to give one of them with the Jack Petchey Achievement Award. When we asked the group who deserves it they voted for Shanti, as she as very enthusiastic, encouraging and passionate about the programme. Shanti was so happy to win. It was especially great for us to award her this award as she joined us a few years ago for a little while and has now come back and impressed the whole team with her outstanding attitude and overall performance on this programme. We are happy everyone could see that, as she thoroughly deserves this award.

Hana, Peer Mentoring Officer: Tamara recived this award because she's usually a bit shy about sharing her ideas, but when she does, her passion is undeniable. Everyone in the group has shown incredible dedication, but there was a moment during our campagain planning session when Tamara really stood out to me. She was fully engaged and bringing great ideas to the table while leading the group. This award is a recognition of that moment and the passion she brings to her peer team.

Farzana, Youth Participation Officer:  Fuad came to FYA as part of the events team to manage and plan our Street Party in 2024 and since then has not stop working with us and showing how dedicated he is to the work we do. Fuad has since come to different events as a steward and encouraged his friends to as well. He is always a great positive role model at the events; always helping and getting involved in the different elements of the events. He demonstrates his participation of planning to getting his hands dirty, ni job was too small for him. Proving he has great character and approach to work. Well done Fuad for winning this award!

Aleffa, Youth Participation Officer:  Since joining FYA 4 years ago, Abdi has been very enthusiastic about getting involved in all the different projects and programmes that we do. Abdi originally came to FYA for the football programme and has since joined various programmes, such as events, peer support and our Cumberland youth club. He has a great energy and enthusiasm for the work and encourages his peer to get involved in the work we do. He is committed to our work and has shown he has so much potential, as well as passion. Thoroughly deserves the reward.

Aleffa, Youth Participation Officer:  Congratulations to Ayesha, as she has received the Jack Petchey Award for her hard work, determination, and dedication to FYA. From her outstanding design work to sharing opportunities wherever she goes, Ayesha truly embodies the spirit of an ambassador. She is such an inspiration to other young people, and we are thankful she has joined our work.

Farzana, Youth Participation Officer:  Nagwa came through the social prescribing programme, as she needed support to help her access opportunities that are beneficial for her general wellbeing. Her confidence was low, but she had a great attitude. Since joining, Nagwa has participated in many of our programmes, such as Girls Club where she encourages others and acts as their peer support, Nagwa is also part of our community events team, where she is planning our current Showcase. She has worked so hard to build her confidence and participate fully in all we do; she thoroughly deserves this award for her development alone.

Abbie, Peer Mentoring Manager: Ariella came to FYA through the attendance school campaign, which was an apart of the peer support programme. Immediately she had a great energy and enthusiasm for the work, she stood out amongst everyone, as she had great ideas and was very committed. Ariella is super reliable and encourages her peer to participate. She even brings friends to the project to share what they are doing and top join in. When staff and young people were asked who should receive this award, Ariella’s name was the first and most to be mentioned. Well deserved!

Aleffa, Peer Mentoring Officer: Tejhaan has been with us for a long time as a participant of our drop in session. But as he got older he started to get involved in more programme and has become a real advocate for our work and encouragement to others. Every time he comes to the sessions he is an ambassador for FYA, encourages others to get involved in the activities and join the different opportunities we have. He attends every single session with great enthusiasm and sets a great example to everyone else. He has a great attitude and everyone enjoys his presence. He really deserves this award.

Atifa, Peer Mentoring Coordinator: Delisha has been with us for a long time involved in our youth club sessions but has also been involved in every one of our youths led volunteering programmes. This includes community events, peer mentoring, champions and peer education. She encourages her whole family to come to our events as well as her friends. She always shows up to support our work and volunteer. She is a great ambassador for our work and such a great positive role model to others. She has a bright future, and we are proud to give her this award.

Jesse, Peer Mentoring Link Officer: When Sayim first joined us, he wasn’t too sure about our work and seemed a little uninterested. But after explaining the programme the opportunity to be involved in filmmaking he lit up and was very involved in the programme. He became the lead in the project with great ideas and stories to create a peer education film, especially around the group challenges and disabilities, he was a great leader for the group and encouragement to others. He thoroughly deserves the reward, and the group agrees.

David, Head of Prgrammes: Rose joined us through her college as she was interested in the work we do. Since joining she has been a great positive role model and an example to others. Her contribution in groups and workshops have been brilliant and helps her peer every chance she gets. She is funny and very uplifting, as she brings a good energy to all the groups and everyone response well to her. The group all agreed she deserves this award.

Shipon, Peer Education Manager: Harvey was a part of our peer education programme and was a great participant as he contributed and encouraged others immensely. He had great ideas for the film, as well as his enthusiasm was infectious. Although he had challenges and needs, he didn’t allow them to hinder him but used his experience to share with others and incorporate it into the message of the film they created. He is an inspiration to others, not just those who have similar issues, but to all young people. He thoroughly deserves the award.

Shipon, Peer Education Manager: Dallul came to our peer education programme from a partner school school and immediately was a great participant to the programme. She bought great ideas and enthusiasm to the group when putting together their film about wellbeing and issues young people go through. She was encouraging to others and enjoyed the sessions, which was infectious for others. The group voted Dallul to win the award, which she was over the moon about.