The stories that deserve the spotlight
Across YMCA Fairthorne Group, there are moments that define what we stand for. Not the headlines or the big announcements, but the real, everyday progress happening across our services.
It’s the young person finding their voice. The colleague who steps in without hesitation. The team delivering work that quietly changes lives.
Each year, the Youth Matters Awards, led by YMCA England & Wales, bring those moments into focus, recognising the people and projects making a meaningful, lasting difference.
This year, YMCA Fairthorne Group will be part of that.
And that starts with us.
Award Categories
The Youth Matters Awards recognise a wide range of impact across the YMCA movement, celebrating both individual achievement and the work of teams, services, and projects. As you start thinking about nominations, it helps to understand what each category is designed to recognise.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Recognising a young volunteer who has made a meaningful contribution through their time, commitment, and willingness to support others.
Young Achiever of the Year
Celebrating a young person who has made significant personal progress, overcome challenges, or shown real determination in their journey.
Young Campaigner of the Year
For a young person who has used their voice to raise awareness, influence others, or champion an issue that matters.
Young Leader of the Year
Recognising a young person who has shown leadership, initiative, and the ability to positively influence those around them.
Young Worker of the Year
Celebrating a member of staff whose work with young people has had a clear and lasting impact.
YMCA of the Year
Recognising an YMCA that is delivering outstanding work and making a meaningful difference in its community.
Housing Project of the Year
For a housing-based project that is creating positive outcomes and helping people build stability, independence, and opportunity.
Family & Youth Project of the Year
Recognising a project that is making a strong difference for children, young people, and families through targeted support and meaningful delivery.
Health & Wellbeing Project of the Year
Celebrating a project that is improving physical health, mental wellbeing, or overall quality of life for the people it supports.
Training & Education Project of the Year
For a project that is helping people grow in confidence, skills, knowledge, or qualifications through learning and development.
Support & Advice Project of the Year
Recognising a project that provides guidance, support, and practical help that leads to real change for individuals or communities.
Diversity Award
Celebrating work that actively promotes inclusion, equity, and belonging, and helps ensure more people feel seen, valued, and supported.
At the heart of every category is the same question: what has changed because of this person, project, or organisation?
What makes a strong nomination?
The strongest nominations are built on real examples:
As you begin to identify potential nominees, think about:
- What challenges have been overcome?
- What actions have been taken?
- What difference has been made, and for whom?
- What has changed in the last 12 months?
Clarity and specificity will always carry more weight than broad statements.
Start the conversation
Before nominations open, take time with your team to reflect.
Who stands out?
What work are you proud of?
Where have you seen real change happen?
The best nominations come from shared recognition, not individual guesswork.
What’s next
Nominations will open shortly, with clear guidance on how to submit.
All entries will be reviewed and developed to ensure we represent YMCA Fairthorne Group to the highest possible standard.
For now, the focus is simple: Start noticing. Start talking. Start identifying the stories that deserve to be seen.
