We are delighted to announce that our Youth Matters Awards are returning this year. We are thrilled that after a time of such difficulty, we are able to give YMCAs, volunteers, staff, projects and, of course, young people the national recognition they deserve at this acclaimed event.
The past year has been incredibly testing for YMCAs. Operating against a background of continual uncertainty, they have been met with high demands from the communities we serve whilst simultaneously suffering a severe lack of resources. Yet, in true YMCA spirit, the Federation has stepped up to the challenges of COVID-19 without hesitation, continuing to create positive change and turn young lives around for the better.
To recognise this innovation and resilience, we want to acknowledge and celebrate a YMCA and an individual who has made a major impact in their community and gone above and beyond despite the circumstances. The two honorary awards will be the COVID Community Impact Award and the COVID Community Hero Award.
