What an incredible night it was at the 14th Annual Youth Matters Awards hosted by YMCA England & Wales on Friday, November 3, 2023! Held at Chelsea Football Club in London, the event brought together 450 members of the YMCA Federation for an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition.

Despite the wet weather, attendees arrived looking fabulous, ready to celebrate the monumental achievements of YMCA projects and individuals over the past year. Denise Hatton, National Secretary of YMCA England & Wales, kicked off the evening, and our host Fern Brady kept the energy high with her sharp comedy and engaging presence.

A special moment for us at YMCA North Tyneside was when Connor Fenton was named Young Worker of the Year. Connor’s positive attitude and dedication to the Y’s Girls Mentoring project have made him an invaluable asset to our team. Congratulations, Connor!

We are also incredibly proud of our other two finalists from YMCA North Tyneside:

Charlie Mood for Young Leader of the Year: Charlie has shown exceptional leadership and dedication, making a significant impact in our community.

Pride in Teesdale for the Diversity Award: Pride in Teesdale has been a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance, promoting diversity and fostering a sense of belonging for the LGBTQIA+ community across Teesdale.

Each award presented was a testament to the incredible work being done across the YMCA Federation. The evening also featured a poignant YMCA Year in Review 2023 video, capturing a year filled with growth, community transformation, and empowerment.

Thank you to everyone who made this night possible, and congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Your dedication and hard work are what make the YMCA community so special. We look forward to continuing this journey together, making a positive impact in the lives of young people and their families.

Speak to Connor himself and explore what YMCA volunteer opportunities we have for you.

Read more news stories:

Our Impact: The Journey to Becoming an Awards Finalist

  One of our many weekly classes! At YMCA North Tyneside, our core mission is to strengthen people in our local community and create an inclusive environment where everyone can be healthy, happy, and connected. Over the past year, YMCA Gym, a vital Social Enterprise...

read more
Our Eid al-Adha Celebrations

Our Eid al-Adha Celebrations

Known as the "Festival of the Sacrifice", Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant holidays in Islam and is celebrated by nearly 2 billion people across the world, which is nearly equivalent to 25% of the world's population. At YMCA North Tyneside, we wish to...

read more

YMCA Airplay VS RAF Leeming 2025

The air at RAF Leeming was buzzing with excitement as the children arrived, ready to tackle the day's challenge itinerary. Scribbled on the big whiteboard, it promised a day packed with fun and friendly competition. With many of the same enthusiastic RAF children...

read more
Housing Case Study: A New Chapter of Independence

Housing Case Study: A New Chapter of Independence

Supported housing plays a vital role in empowering individuals with learning difficulties to live more independently, offering a safe and nurturing environment that balances support with autonomy.  One powerful example of this is a young woman with learning...

read more