Pride as UK Youth-backed project wins prestigious award

A scheme backed by UK Youth has won a top award.

The Kentucky Club, KFC‘s inclusive members club for young people aged 16-24, has won the Experiences for Good award at the 2024 Campaign Media Awards.

The club – borne out of KFC and UK Youth‘s successful Hatch scheme – empowers young people to learn new skills, boost their confidence and land their first job, featuring skills workshops and job support from partners such as UK Youth.

It was launched at a one-day employability event in Birmingham, supported by England and Aston Villa footballer Ollie Watkins and featuring a discussion led by Ndidi Okezie OBE, UK Youth chief executive officer, alongside performances, break-out activities and workshops.

A club spokeswoman said: “It’s amazing to see the project get the recognition it deserves, because, as we know, the young people loved the event and walked away with new skills feeling more prepared to land future jobs. 

“The event wouldn’t have happened without the Hatch programme or the partnership between UK Youth and KFC, and it was such an honour to help bring it to life.”

Rachael Barber, UK Youth project manager, said: “The Kentucky Club event was a great way for young people to celebrate their success on Hatch and explore further education and employment options.

“Both youth workers and young people who attended voiced their appreciation for the event and overall had a brilliant time.”

The award was announced at a prestigious ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London hotel.

Hatch, set up by KFC with UK Youth, aims to support young people who have faced employment barriers to land their first job. KFC describes it as “an amazing opportunity” for young people aged 16–24 to “develop skills and kick-start their careers”.

UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 8,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org 

UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability, including Hatch. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes