George King, Life Ready Youth Coach at YMCA Norfolk, was awarded with ‘Young Worker of the Year’ at the YMCA England and Wales Youth Matters 2022 awards on Friday 18 November.
At a ceremony held at the Bloomsbury Big Top, London, George celebrated his win with a crowd of YMCA colleagues from all over the UK, who come together every year to celebrate the achievements of staff and young people across the charity’s national operation.
Shortlisted in the summer, George made the final 3 among a vote of over 14,000 members of the public, and came out on top thanks to his contribution to YMCA Norfolk’s Life Ready project and his gardening, horticulture and wellbeing work in Great Yarmouth.
George commented on his award:
“While I’m really proud to have won the award, I’m also proud of all of my colleagues at YMCA Norfolk and at YMCAs across the country.
“Especially the other two finalists in my category – both who were extremely deserving the award.
“The work that youth coaches do really is saving lives, and it’s a privilege to work for the YMCA and support the amazing young people in Norfolk.”
Alongside working on the garden at St Paul’s Lodge (Great Yarmouth), George was tasked with teaching young people how to plant and grow fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers, in addition to supporting them gain ASDAN qualifications – of which a number of the project’s participants have achieved.
George regularly reaches out to local nature reserves, garden centres and community projects to arrange educational day trips for young people, boosting their mental wellbeing through spending time in nature and socialising with peers.
George’s nomination read:
‘Over the last year George has gone completely above and beyond to transform the hostel’s garden – which now features a seating area, a greenhouse, an allotment, flower beds, sleepers and a most importantly a peaceful, colourful outdoor space for our young people to enjoy.
YMCA Norfolk staff have seen a huge transformation in the young people he has worked with on the project – many becoming more self-confident and transitioning towards independent living through gaining their own accommodation and employment.
He is a reliable, trustworthy and inspiring role model for our young people – who always puts their needs first despite living a busy lifestyle as a local sixth form teacher alongside his role with YMCA. He always has a smile on his face and is quick to make those around him smile too.
George’s passion for seeing young people thrive embodies the values of YMCA, and he is spoken extremely highly of by young people and staff across the organisation. ‘