Youth charity scores major national awards double

Staff, residents and students from YMCA Derbyshire are celebrating after scooping a brace of national awards.

YMCA Derbyshire was crowned YMCA of the Year at the recent YMCA Youth Matters Awards.

The award recognises a YMCA that has delivered an innovative and inspiring local project, programme or scheme that has created a tangible and positive impact on young people and the wider community.

Gillian Sewell, chief executive of YMCA Derbyshire, 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 have been recognised in the most splendid of ways.”

The organisation, which has operated across Derbyshire for the past 175 years, has increased its support of young people and community members over the last 12 months.

The team has accommodated 362 individuals, provided training and education for over 150 young people at YMCA Key College, and provided childcare within five different schools with YMCA Y-Kidz.

In addition to being named YMCA of the Year, one of YMCA Derbyshire’s young people, Jamie, walked away with the Young Achiever of the Year award.

Jamie has worked hard since moving into YMCA Derbyshire to gain confidence, enter education, take on a full-time job and move into his own accommodation.

Gillian said: “I have 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.”