Two teams from YMCA Norfolk were presented national awards at the annual Youth Matters Awards in London on Friday evening; held at the Grand Sheraton Hotel hosted by YMCA England and Wales.
With only 15 awards up for grabs on the night, YMCA Norfolk walked away with Training and Education Project of the Year and Families Project of the Year – among a staggering 101 YMCAs across England and Wales.
The YMCA Norfolk Families and Communities Team were awarded for their exceptional dedication to supporting families across Norfolk; and were congratulated for stepping up significantly in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The team were titled ‘Family Project of the Year’ after being shortlisted back in July 2021. They have delivered over 7,000 hours of support through rapid response/return alone, supporting 393 families in crisis.
Additionally, they have worked hard to continue to house and support single parents in YMCA Norfolk’s Umbrella Housing services, providing a safe and secure environment for their children providing additional support, food parcels, additional parenting support and ensuring the best opportunity to sustain change.
Collecting the award on behalf of the team was Esther Nixon, Senior Wellbeing Engagement Worker, and Kendal Cullabine, Families Team Business Support Officer.
In addition to Family Project of the Year, YMCA Norfolk’s E-learning Service were also successful on the night – awarded as ‘Education and Training Project of the Year.’
Despite a challenging year for young people, the E-learning service provided specialist education to 175 students; ensuring they maintained their interest in learning throughout tough times.
Unlike most other online education companies, the E-Learning Service offers bespoke provision for individual students based on their learning needs, ability levels and school course. As a result of their industry leading services for young people, the team were recognised as category winners at the national awards ceremony – not only but the public but also by a panel of judges.
Jamie Holland, E-Learning Service Principal, and Ruth Duma, E-Learning Service Administrator, collected the award on behalf of the team.
John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO, who attended the awards evening said:
“It was fantastic to see the hard work and expertise of our Families and E-Learning teams recognised at the national Youth Matters Awards. Our teams were up against some incredibly inspiring finalists and to win 2 awards is unprecedented for YMCA Norfolk. It is a great testament to all of the team members involved.”