Vote for young YMCA worker as Young Achiever of the Year at national awards

YMCA Humber is asking local people to vote for one of its inspiring young people ahead of a prestigious national youth awards ceremony hosted this autumn by business woman, Sky presenter and BBC's The Apprentice winner, Michelle Dewberry.

The local youth charity, which has operated in the Humber Region for the past 135 years has nominated YMCA young person, George Cullum as Young Achiever of the Year in Youth Matters Awards 2017.

Youth Matters is YMCA’s national awards programme that has been an integral part of the charity’s calendar since 2009.

George is up against other young people from across the country within his award category. Other award categories are YMCA of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Young Worker of the Year and Young Campaigner of the Year.

George has been entered for the award because of his transition from a resident at one of YMCA’s housing projects in Grimsby to a valued member of staff with the youth charity.

Voting starts online at midnight on Monday 14 August and runs until midnight on Friday 25 August. Votes cast by the public will be combined with judges’ choices and the three finalists will be announced on 29 August. All the finalists will attend the ceremony at the exclusive venue 8 Northumberland Avenue, in central London, where the winner will be announced.

George said: “I view working at YMCA as one of my greatest achievements, due to having first-hand experience of YMCA Humber’s supported accommodation.

“I have been given the opportunity to become one of the people who have helped change my life.”

Linda Clark is YMCA Humber’s Community Development Manager and she said: “When George moved to YMCA Humber’s Foyer project in 2015 he had a number of tough personal challenges to overcome.

“However, motivated by his desire to join the army, George began attending the gym and took steps to tackle the issues he faced.

“He regularly got involved with Foyer activities and secured an apprenticeship as a youth worker.

Consequently, George’s life has changed dramatically.

“He has taken every opportunity offered to him, such as becoming a Youth Ambassador, honing invaluable skills to support his professional development.

“These include planning and organising a number of youth clubs, setting up events and running holiday activities.

“An enthusiastic volunteer, George regular receives positive feedback from external partners and young people at YMCA.

“He has got involved with several projects, including YMCA Sleep Easy, Fruit-full Communities, among others.

“In April George hit a milestone by moving into an independent property, impressively achieved while only on an apprentice wage.”

Youth Matters celebrates the outstanding skills and achievements of young people from across the country. It also recognises the vital work that YMCAs deliver every day to help transform the lives of young people and give them a brighter future.

The Young Achiever of the Year Award recognises the exceptional achievements of a young person who has overcome significant obstacles to make a real difference to their lives and their community.

Vote in Youth Matters at www.ymca.org.uk/awards. Follow YMCA Humber on Twitter and join the conversation using #YMA17.

For more information on Youth Matters, visit www.ymca.org.uk/awards. For more information on YMCA Humber, visit www.ymca-humber.com