Young people took pride in planning and presenting their very own Awards Ceremony 2023 at The Village Hotel, Blackpool, on Monday night in celebration of their incredible achievements over the last 12-months through participation in three significant projects facilitated by The Boathouse Youth.

The evening was opened by Youth CEO, Maddie Marsden, Aged 14, who welcomed guests and congratulated her peers on everything they had worked so hard towards before handing over to the evening’s host Lewis Hobill, Aged 17, who had audiences belly-laughing with his wit.

Young people were awarded for their participation and achievements in a selection of three projects which have taken place over the last year, namely: the EmpowHER Legacy Project in partnership with UK Youth; the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Silver Level; and the Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles in partnership with the National Youth Agency.

The audience was amass with young people and their families combined with representatives from the charity’s major-donor network, trustees, partner agencies and staff team who all raised the roof with applause as participants were called to the stage one-by-one to receive their awards.

A young representative from each of the three projects addressed audience members to tell of their story and experiences since joining The Boathouse Youth. Josh Cumber, Aged 15, told how challenging, but worthwhile, his Silver DofE Expedition was – with a reminder to all not to leak methylated spirit into the kettle you use for your Pot Noodle water(!!); Dylan Young, Age 15, explained how the Young Leaders’ Academy have given him the opportunity to achieve an accredited award in Youth Work but also face-to-face experience working with younger children; and Kayleigh Hobill, Age 14, explained the impact that participating in a girls-only project was increased confidence levels around topics such as periods and puberty.

Award-winners were provided with framed certificates and a ‘year book’ with individual pages dedicated to each of them including statistics about their participation and a selection of photographs as a keepsake. A delicious hot-buffet was served after the event providing guests with amble opportunity to sit and eat over reflective conversations about the evening and the journeys that the young people have all been on.

Prints can be purchased via this link.

Awards Presentation Evening 2023
Photo Album

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