Charity shortlisted for prestigious National Youth Charity awards
YMCA Burton's staff, volunteers and Trustees are celebrating after being shortlisted for the prestigious title of YMCA of the Year at the highly anticipated return of YMCA England & Wales Youth Matters Awards.
The YMCA of the Year Award recognises a YMCA which has delivered an innovative and inspiring project or delivery of services that has created a tangible and positive impact on young people and the wider community.
After an incredibly challenging time for charities during the pandemic, this year 's awards are even more vital in recognising the innovation and resilience shown by YMCAs in the continued and unwavering support shown for their communities.
YMCA Burton overcame strong competition from other incredible YMCAs across England and Wales to make it to the final stages, and was praised by judges for their outstanding service to clients & people accessing their support during 2020 and the challenges of COVID. This covered support through their foodbank, furniture services and innovative delivery of a virtual sleep-out which inspired other YMCA 'a across the federation.
Paul Laffey, chief executive of YMCA Burton said: “We are absolutely thrilled and honored to have made it to the final stages for this amazing title of YMCA of the Year, plus Family work project of the year. All of our staff and volunteers work incredibly hard to support our young people, residents and wider community.
"Over the last 18 months the Charity like many others working through a global pandemic has faced many challenges. Regardless of the outcome at the Awards Ceremony on the 5 November, I am immensely proud of everything the staff and volunteers have delivered and achieved.
"Thank you so much to everyone in the community who voted for our YMCA in the Semi-finals and to everyone who continues to support YMCA Burton."
YMCA Burton will join two other finalists on the night of Friday 5 November to find out if they have won the coveted title, which will be presented at an exclusive awards ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in London 's Park Lane, hosted by acclaimed comedian and expert quizzer of ITV 's The Chase, Paul Sinha.
In addition to being a finalist for YMCA of the Year, YMCA Burton are also finalists in the Family work project of the year for their Mediation & Counselling work to support young people & their families.
This year also sees the addition of a new award, The Covid Community Hero award. Long serving YMCA Burton staff member Tom Foster is a finalist in this award for his tireless commitment to the Charity & his community. He is an inspiration to many people.