YMCA England: Helping young people build a future

YMCA England celebrated the achievements of young people and YMCAs last night (Monday 24 October) at its national Youth Matters Awards hosted by Radio 1Xtra's Gemma Cairney and the Rt. Hon and Most Rev'd Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York.

This year's finalists gathered with guests including; MPs Tessa Munt, Julie Hilling and Robin Walker, at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London to recognise the exceptional skills and talents of young people, and celebrate the important work that YMCAs carry out to transform the lives of young people.

President of YMCA England, the Most Rev'd Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York said: "The young people and staff receiving their awards have all demonstrated outstanding achievements during the last year. Every finalist has showed extraordinary courage, determination and commitment to transforming their lives and the lives of others in their community. As president of YMCA England, I am delighted to have been able share and celebrate these incredible journeys at this year's Youth Matters Awards."

Youth Matters is the YMCA's national recognition awards celebrating young people and YMCAs in England across five categories; Young Achiever of the Year, Youth Worker of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Global Link and Delivering Success.

The YMCA operates in over 250 communities in England with 135 local representations, and reaches young people through four key areas of work; offering a safe place to stay, giving a fresh start, providing vital support, and helping communities to get active.

ENDS

If you require further information, please contact Jennie Farrell at the YMCA England press office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This year's winners and finalists

Notes to Editors

• Founded 166 years ago, the YMCA in England is made up of 135 local YMCAs working to ensure that young people have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
• YMCA operates in over 250 communities in England with 135 local representations, and covers four key areas of work:
  • Offering a safe place to stay – every night, over 7,200 young people stay at a YMCA.
  • Giving young people a fresh start – the YMCA gives young people the support they need to get their lives back on track.
  • Vital support – the YMCA offers a variety of services that help to promote positive family relationships.
  • Helping communities to get active - the YMCA is also the leading provider of industry training in physical activity with over 67,000 people receiving YMCA fitness industry qualifications.
• For further information please visit www.ymca.org.uk