Youth Matters Awards 2025: A Night of Celebration, Inspiration, and Outstanding Achievement

YMCA’s Youth Matters Awards 2025 lit up City Central at the HAC in London last month.

Honouring the young people, staff, volunteers, and projects making a transformative impact across local communities in England and Wales. Hosted by BBC Radio 2 and TV personality Richie Anderson, the evening combined celebration, emotion, and gratitude all in equal measure.

Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales, opened the evening by welcoming guests and celebrating the record-breaking number of nominations this year.

“This year’s Youth Matters Awards is one that has exceeded a number of previous records. We received a record 137 nominations from 30 YMCAs, all leading to this evening where we have some 490 people in attendance, again, another new record.”

Tonight is a celebration of everything that we do, celebrating the talent that is YMCA. It is a night where we clap a lot, cry a little, and cheer as loud as we possibly can.”

Award Winners 2025

As stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation unfolded, each award highlighted the powerful impact of YMCA individuals and projects across England and Wales.

Health & Wellbeing Project of the Year: Professional Therapeutic Pathway, YMCA Norfolk

Young Achiever of the Year: Amelia Teare, YMCA Exeter

Training & Education Project of the Year: Dignify, One YMCA

Young Volunteer of the Year: Christina Pinto-Skeggs, YMCA Cheshire

Support & Advice Project of the Year: Early Intervention Youth Hub, YMCA St Helens

Lewis Sewell Memorial Award: Shantisha Pande, YMCA Heart of England

Family & Youth Work Project of the Year: The Bridge Family Project, YMCA Worcestershire

Young Campaigner of the Year: Lexi Coltman, YMCA North Tyneside

Housing Project of the Year: NextStep, YMCA East Surrey

Young Worker of the Year: Millie Oldroyd, YMCA Cheshire

Diversity Award: The Happy Women’s Project, YMCA North Tyneside

Young Leader of the Year: Sara Rogers, YMCA Norfolk

Red Triangle Award: Trevor Fitzpatrick, YMCA Fairthorne Group

YMCA of the Year: YMCA Heart of England

The evening celebrated the commitment, creativity, and leadership of individuals and projects across the YMCA Federation. It allowed YMCAs to come together and acknowledge the fantastic work being carried out in local communities every day.

For more information about YMCA Youth Matters Awards and a complete list of finalists, along with more information on award recipients, please visit ymca.org.uk/awards.