The Young Person Inspiring Hope Award recognises a young person who has transformed their life or positively impacted the lives of others. A young person who has taken on a social action, given back, or has positively contributed to their community in an exceptional and impactful way.

The winner is:

Kas Nathan from SPEAR London Springboard Project
Kas Nathan has worked tirelessly to support and uplift residents of a young persons’ hostel throughout the pandemic. Kas has played a key role in multiple projects that provide practical support to young people experiencing homelessness. On top of this she supports her community by volunteering with the Prisoners Education Trust and NHS vaccination programme.

The Inspiring Leadership Award recognises the achievements of an individual who works with young people, be that a youth worker, volunteer, staff member, or supporter. We want to hear about individuals who have dedicated themselves to helping young people thrive, and inspirational stories of supporting others through the lockdown.

The winner is:

Alex Gurpinar from Space Youth Services
Alex Gurpinar works as a youth worker delivering detached youth work in the community, supporting young people on a range of issues including reducing serious violence.  Alex has been described as an outstanding youth worker who is determined and dedicated the young people she supports.

The Inclusivity Award recognises a project, organisation or group that has championed diversity, challenged adversity and is tackling racism.

The winner is:

The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain
The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain’s ‘Mighty River’ project was imagined and curated entirely by young people and inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.  Through this project, the National Youth Orchestra have increased diversity and participation form BAME and female young people in classical music.

The Inspiring Supporter Award aims to celebrate an individual, group or organisation’s outstanding achievement in using their time to further the mission of UK Youth and/or have used their platform to raise money for UK Youth.

The winner is:

Mark Nicholas
Mark Nicholas has supported UK Youth for a number of years. This year Mark and his team secured, refurbished and delivered more than 100 devices for local youth organisations in the UK Youth network ensuring that young people could stay connected to their youth organisations and schools.

The Inspiring Youth Organisation Award aims to celebrate innovative and adaptable organisations across the UK which continuously support young people and their local communities. An organisation who in response to COVID-19 helped to support their community and/or who have made a real difference for young people.

The winner is:

We Belong
We Belong is the UK’s first migrant-youth led organisation, campaigning for the rights of young migrants. Working with over 1,300 young people, We Belong organise and mobilise young people to create social change using their personal experience of the UK’s immigration system to advocate for a positive narrative around migration and immigration.

The Inspiring Young Creative Award recognises the achievements of a young person who has harnessed a creative medium (such as social media, vlogging, podcast, TV, Radio, performance) to be a positive role-model and enhance the lives of others.

The winner is:

Isabella Evans
Isabella Evans creates short videos teaching others to learn Makaton sign language.  She now has over 200,000 followers learning through her social media content and video tutorials.

The Inspiring Pioneer Award aims to celebrate an impactful and forward-thinking individual, group or project that has harnessed new approaches, technology and/or collaboration to positively impact young people. Being a pioneer to tackle loneliness, encourage sustainability and/or promote positive health & wellbeing for young people.

The winner is:

Friend for Life
Friend for Life creates lifelong intergenerational friendships to support young people and children who are looked after by the local authority. They strive to give this usually disadvantaged group a reliable and trustworthy adult in their life.