YMCA Norfolk celebrates young comeback heroes
YMCA Norfolk hosted its Annual Celebration on Thursday October 16 at The Space, Norwich, bringing together around 160 guests for an evening filled with emotion, inspiration, and heartfelt recognition.
The event honoured the incredible individuals who embody YMCA Norfolk’s values of hope, empowerment, and community. From volunteers and tenants to young people overcoming adversity, each story shared was a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and perseverance.
Volunteer of the Year – Sam Everard
Sam has dedicated over 160 hours to the Marketing and Fundraising Team, bringing creativity, consistency, and fresh ideas. Their work on the upcoming Christmas campaign has been especially impactful.
Community Hero – Rev Jonathan Price
Rev Price leads a church and community centre in North Lynn, supporting over 50 young people weekly through initiatives like the Pizza Project. His chaplaincy work with YMCA residents is deeply valued.
Young Volunteer of the Year – Jess Payne
Jess has given over 155 hours volunteering on the SOS Bus in King’s Lynn, offering late-night support to vulnerable individuals with compassion and energy.
Highly Commended: Cian Berry, Ellie Mitchell
Personal Growth Award – Casey Campling
Casey has shown remarkable resilience and growth, progressing through YMCA Norfolk’s housing and development programmes with positivity and commitment.
Highly Commended: Leon Bryden, Nadiia Melnik
Tenant of the Year – Kelsey Drew
Kelsey is known for pride in their home, culinary generosity, and warm, respectful presence. Their journey reflects strength and maturity.
Highly Commended: Conor Moitysee, Melissa Lemin
Heart of YMCA Norfolk Award – Zac Willis
Zac, who lives with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, has shown quiet strength and consistent engagement in learning since joining the E-Learning Service in Year 3.
Highly Commended: Robert Grand, Jessica Pitcher
Inspiration Award – Chanyce Burton
Chanyce has transformed their life since experiencing homelessness, becoming a pillar of support at St Paul’s Lodge through leadership, kindness, and service.
Highly Commended: Caleb Burrell, Kelsey Drew
Richard Jarrold Achievement Award – Tooni Shotimeyin
Tooni has overcome significant personal hardship to pursue A Levels with aspirations for Oxford University. Their dedication to education, volunteering, and peer support is truly extraordinary.
Highly Commended: Alex Morgan, Holly Newbery, Luke Whiley
YMCA Norfolk CEO John Lee said: “We celebrated the comeback stories of Norfolk’s young people, those who have faced barriers, battled setbacks and beaten the odds. Behind every statistic was a life transformed: from learning to pay the rent to returning to education, from meeting a counsellor, to moving from homelessness to university.
“The awards celebrated young people as the heroes of their journey. It is always one of my favourite nights of the year and we will be talking about last week for a long time. Thank you to Tooni and Lord Dannett for hosting us and to all the young people who cheered each other on throughout the evening.”
For more information about YMCA Norfolk and how to get involved, visit www.ymcanorfolk.org.
Pictured above are those who were honoured at YMCA Norfolk’s Celebration night. Picture by Andreas Yiasimi.