Around 160 guests gathered at The Space in Norwich on Thursday 16th October for YMCA Norfolk’s annual celebration — an evening recognising the volunteers, tenants and young people who’ve made a real difference over the past year.

Volunteer of the Year went to Sam Everard, who has given more than 160 hours to the Marketing and Fundraising Team, bringing fresh ideas and creativity — including work on the upcoming Christmas campaign.

Reverend Jonathan Price received the Community Hero Award for his work leading a church and community centre in North Lynn. Each week he supports more than 50 young people through projects such as the Pizza Project, alongside his valued chaplaincy work with YMCA residents.

Jess Payne was named Young Volunteer of the Year after giving over 155 hours to the SOS Bus in King’s Lynn, supporting vulnerable people with compassion and energy. Highly commended: Cian Berry and Ellie Mitchell.

The Personal Growth Award went to Casey Campling, recognised for remarkable progress through YMCA Norfolk’s housing and development programmes. Highly commended: Leon Bryden and Nadiia Melnik.

Kelsey Drew was named Tenant of the Year, admired for pride in their home, generosity in sharing food and their warm, respectful approach to others. Highly commended: Conor Moitysee and Melissa Lemin.

The Heart of YMCA Norfolk Award went to Zac Willis, who lives with Autism, ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. Zac has shown quiet strength and steady progress since joining the E-Learning Service in Year 3. Highly commended: Robert Grand and Jessica Pitcher.

The Inspiration Award was presented to Chanyce Burton, who has completely turned their life around since experiencing homelessness and now offers support to others at St Paul’s Lodge. Highly commended: Caleb Burrell and Kelsey Drew.

Finally, Tooni Shotimeyin received the Richard Jarrold Achievement Award after overcoming significant personal hardship to study for A Levels, with ambitions to attend Oxford University. Their drive and kindness have inspired everyone around them. Highly commended: Alex Morgan, Holly Newbery and Luke Whiley.

“Behind every statistic was a life transformed”

YMCA Norfolk’s CEO, John Lee, said the evening was about recognising the courage and perseverance of young people across the county.

“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.”

To find out more or get involved with YMCA Norfolk, visit www.ymcanorfolk.org.