The awards recognise under 25s for their hard work creating inspirational projects which positively impact our customers and communities.
Tilly, aged 18 was awarded ‘Young Leader of the Year’ for overcoming her personal challenges to become a champion for young people and inspiring 8 to 12-year-olds to pursue their own goals. Tilly also supports our Community Champions by helping at family days in the community and has even learnt basic sign language.
Tilly said: “It feels amazing to win the award and be recognised for the volunteering and support I provide to other young people, particularly those with special educational needs like myself. I have taken part in a range of events and activities over the years, including consultation about the lighting in the local community. Recently, as part of a health and wellbeing project for our youth club, I delivered a self-care and pampering session to help younger members grow their self-esteem and confidence, and develop more positive mindfulness.”
Cherie won ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for her commitment to young people and the Thamesmead community, supporting over 500 young people at the Hawksmoor Youth Club and acting as the Community Champion at Morrisons in Thamesmead. She also provides surplus food from Morrisons to struggling local families, supports local food pantries and donated food to provide a healthy Christmas meal for members of the youth hub.
Cherie said: ““I am deeply humbled to win this award given how many wonderful groups and individuals are out there. I’m grateful that I have had the chance to work with some amazing charities and community groups. These awards are a fantastic way for organisations from all over to showcase their work and for others to gain ideas to share with their communities.
“I’ve been working Peabody’s Hawksmoor Youth Hub for over a year now and really believe in the work all youth organisations do as they’re a great way to build both confidence and skills in young people. I especially enjoy working alongside the Moorings community team to bring the residents of Thamesmead together in a friendly and fun environment, as well as to provide free food. More recently, I’ve been working with the local Peabody team and the Greenwich Safer Neighbourhoods Team to make our communities safer.”
Sahil Khan, Peabody’s Director of Community Strategy, Partnerships & Funding said: “It has been heart-warming to see so many incredible young people who are passionate and motivated to make a real change in their communities. Each of these projects have had a huge impact in their communities, inspiring and engaging their peers to continue their quest for change. Peabody supports young people across London and the Southeast to help them develop new skills, make a difference in their communities and succeed in their lives.”
The Peabody Young People’s Fund supports community projects which put young people and their voice at the centre of their work. In the last three years, the fund has provided £279,000 towards projects and groups which engage young people in their work. Find out more here.
