YMCA Burton celebrate top win at national youth charity awards

Staff, volunteers, and residents from YMCA Burton are celebrating being crowned YMCA of the Year at the highly anticipated return of YMCA 's Youth Matters Awards on Friday night.

The organisation, which has operated across East Staffordshire since 1887 won the prestigious title at the leading youth charity 's national ceremony, which was held at the exclusive Sheraton Grand Hotel in London 's Park Lane and hosted by acclaimed comedian and expert quizzer of ITV 's The Chase, Paul Sinha.

Youth Matters is YMCA 's national awards programme marking an integral part of the charity 's calendar since 2009 and was sorely missed last year due to COVID-19. It celebrates the outstanding skills and achievements of young people from across the country and recognises the vital work that YMCAs deliver every day.

The YMCA of the Year Award recognises a YMCA which has delivered an innovative and inspiring local project, programme or scheme that has created a tangible and positive impact on young people and the wider community.

YMCA Burton triumphed over strong competition from other YMCAs across England and Wales during shortlisting, a public vote, and a final decision by judges.

It was praised for its unfaltering dedication to the local community during an exceptionally challenging time, which saw demand for their foodbank more than double in just three months and vital family mediation support moved successfully online. In addition, YMCA Burton acted as trailblazers by organising the first-ever virtual Sleepout event, raising more than £42,000 and providing a blueprint for other YMCAs to do the same.

Paul Laffey, chief executive of YMCA Burton, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to be taking home the amazing title of YMCA of the Year! Our staff and volunteers have worked incredibly hard to support our young people and community throughout the pandemic. I am immensely proud of everything they have delivered and achieved.

“Thank you so much to everyone in the community who supported us - we couldn 't have won this without you, you are all part of the YMCA family. We can 't wait to celebrate this fantastic win and use it to inspire YMCA Burton to accomplish even more in the future. ”

Kath Stokes from Burton on Trent was also presented with the Red Triangle award for dedication and commitment to YMCA in recognition of 33 years ' service to YMCA Burton and the many people she has helped during this period. She has seen lots of development during this time including the opening of the first supported housing site, four retail shops, the opening of Reconnect and worked with many staff and young people during this time.

For more information about YMCA burton, visit https://www.burtonymca.org/