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Youth Matters Awards

Celebrating young people, staff and volunteers

Established in 2009, the YMCA Youth Matters Awards are an annual celebration of the incredible work local YMCAs do every day, highlighting the stories, people and projects that make a lasting difference.

Fourteen award categories represent the exceptional skills and achievements exhibited by young people over the past year and the incredible work delivered by more than 80 local YMCAs. Each award is judged by YMCA leaders, industry experts and young people.

We are excited to announce that this year’s awards will be held on Friday 13 November at Old Billingsgate, London, EC3.

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Success Stories

“The Youth Matters Awards changed by life back in 2021 when I was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year. Back then, I was a volunteer finding my feet, getting back into working life. The ceremony showed me how many people try to do good things for others even when they may be going through it themselves. The award helped me secure a full-time job with my local YMCA and the opportunities it opened are endless, and still coming through now. I have been honoured to present and judge an award in following years. The young people inspire me every year and remind me why I do what I do, without fail.”

Martin Bushaway, Young Volunteer of the Year 2021

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Meet the 2025 finalists and award recipients

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Sponsor the Youth Matters Awards

Why Sponsor the Youth Matters Awards

Align your organisation with one of England and Wales’ most inspiring community events – where change is celebrated and future leaders are recognised. Sponsors play a vital role in making this evening possible, helping us:

  • Amplify impact across YMCAs
  • Showcase innovation and best practice
  • Bring together more than 500 YMCA community leaders, staff and supporters for a memorable evening
  • Support community-focused programmes that transform lives

 

Interested in partnering with us?

Get in touch
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1st Waste Management have been with YMCA for 14 years, we provide waste management services to all of the retail sector and are big supporters and regular sponsors of YMCA.

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Bates Wells is a purpose driven, full-service law firm with the largest dedicated charity team in the UK. With a long history of working with YMCAs, we understand the challenges you face. From charity law and real estate to dispute resolution and employment, we can support you with any of your legal needs.

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Charity Bank is the loans and savings bank for charities, social enterprises and people who want to make the world a better place. It uses its savers’ money to provide much-needed loans to UK organisations working to drive positive social change – bringing benefits for people, communities, and the environment. Since 2002, Charity Bank has amde more than 1,400 loans totalling over £600m to housing, education, social care, community, and other social purpose organisations. Charity Bank is owned by social purpose organisations and aims to use its expertise, commitment, and flexible approach to lending, to hep charities and social enterprises get the support and funding they need.

 

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Grosvenor are the UK’s largest privately owned fleet management and contract hire provider in the UK. For 45 years we have partnered with corporate businesses, public sector bodies and various charities. We are proud to supply YMCA with their vans!

 

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An unforgettable evening

“…honestly, I just feel so inspired. I just feel like everybody here is making such a difference. I think sometimes we lose sight of what’s important, and people that are here are making a real, real difference and they deserve to be shouted about and celebrated.”

Scarlett Moffatt, TV Presenter and our 2024 Awards Host  

“All the reasons that you’d want to support YMCA have been right here in this room tonight, the people that work with the YMCA are doing some of the hardest work in our society and some of the young people that are taking it on and who are also benefiting from it, couldn’t be better ambassadors.” 

Julie Etchingham, ITV News Presenter 

It’s an honour… Standing in this room now, with so many incredible people, celebrating so many incredible people and stories, for me, is really inspirational.

Richie Anderson, TV and Radio Presenter and our 2025 Awards Host

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Contact Us

For further information, please contact:

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youthmatters@ymca.org.uk

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02071869500