Posted on 15 February 2023
Our community champions have been recognised for the valuable work they do at organisations we fund through Hyde Foundation.
Our community partners didn’t just win one, or two, but three awards at the recent Room for Young People Inspiration Awards. These awards celebrate inspirational people who are using their talents to make a difference to young people in their communities.
Joshana Pemberton, Support and Advice Team Leader, Brighton Youth Advice Centre – won the Innovative Action Award, recognising creativity and forward thinking.
Joshana noticed that young people with limited resources or who were living in temporary accommodation, were struggling to afford healthy food. They were living on expensive and unhealthy microwave meals as they either didn’t know how, or didn’t have anywhere to cook their own food. This left them hungry and was affecting their health and finances.
In response, Joshana set up the Food Market for young people in Brighton. Joshana worked with local food providers and funders to provide healthy food options for set affordable prices. The Food Market supports more than 200 young people a week.
Dan Sneller, Youth Centre Manager, Sylvia Beaufoy, Chichester – won the Community Action Award.
During the pandemic, Dan provided digital resources for young people, allowing them to attend online school classes. He also expanded the centre’s services, which now include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and cooking classes, to encourage healthy eating.
As a result of Dan’s success in providing vital services, a local group of residents created ‘The Friends of Sylvia Beaufoy’, providing funding to support and develop the centre.
Caroline Boury, The Boury Academy, Lambeth – won the Superb Staff Award.
Judges were looking for somebody who has made significant improvements to the lives of young people, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills. The award recognised Caroline’s inspirational work in setting up the Boury Academy, giving young people creative opportunities in an arts industry lacking diversity.
Caroline has fought for arts provision to be maintained in challenging schools and invested both emotionally and financially to enable young people to enjoy a safe space at the Academy.
The winners were celebrated at a glittering ceremony in Birmingham, and all received trophies to recognise their achievements.
Kerry Starling, Hyde’s Director of Communities and Social Impact, said “This is an incredible achievement for all three of our community champions – all winning the categories they were shortlisted in.
"I’m delighted that their achievements have been recognised - the positive difference that they are making in so many young people’s lives. Congratulations Caroline, Dan and Joshana – I’m looking forward to seeing how what you’ve achieved will be built on in the future.”