London Youth Awards 2022
On Monday 7th of November, London Youth hosted its annual London Youth Awards, the capital’s only night solely dedicated to celebrating youth work. Key political figures attended to show support.
The London Youth Awards are a unique date in the calendar when the capital’s youth sector comes together to celebrate the impact of youth work and the people who make it happen. London Youth welcomed over 250 youth professionals, young Londoners, funders, politicians and key sector figures to Conway Hall in central London.
This was the charity’s first in-person Awards event since the pandemic. London Youth amended its Award categories this year to reflect the changing landscape brought by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, both of which have plunged the youth sector into a crisis of a magnitude it has never known.
Categories this year therefore included the ‘Being There Award,’ presented on the night by London Assembly member Sian Berry, to recognise an organisation that adapted its model of delivery in direct response to the pandemic. Shortlisted nominees include the Young Urban Arts Foundation, who in response to Covid-19delivered online creative workshops to give young people a connection with their peers and to provide 1-to-1 support. Young people expressed greater emotional well-being and confidence as a result of engaging in activities, learning new skills and raising their aspirations.
Another new category is the ‘Creating a Better London’ award, presented on the night by Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP to acknowledge an organisation that builds inclusive and safe spaces for young people from minoritised or marginalised groups. Shortlisted nominees include Barnet based and youth-led charity Youth Realities, who address teenage relationship abuse through creative education and specialist, survivor-centred support. Other nominees support LGBTQ+ young people, disabled youths and those with learning disabilities, people with autism and their parents and carers, asylum seekers and refugees.
Also in attendance and presenting an award are Jim Minton, chief executive of the Mayor’s fund for London and Lib Peck, director of the Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit. Sian Berry will also be presented with the Prince Philip Award, recognising an individual or organisation’s outstanding contribution to youth work. London Youth was the first charity Prince Philip ever became patron of, a patronage which lasted 74 years until his death and has now been handed over to his son Edward, the Earl of Wessex.
Jeremy Corbyn has also RSVPd for this event, we can confirm attendance on Monday evening, as well as provide professional photography from the event, and quote(s) from any of the people listed.
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