The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its ninth year, will be honouring 22 young people from across the UK that have made a positive impact on their communities and wider society.
These selfless young people have shown kindness and commitment to a multitude of causes, raising funds and awareness, and are all dedicated to making a difference. Each inspirational young person will be presented with the BCyA Medal of Honour at The Palace of Westminster on 30th October 2025 and are invited to use the post-nominals ‘BCyA’, as a legacy of their achievements and endeavours.
Hridai Somaiya from North London is one of the 2025 BCyA Roll of Honour Recipients. Education and academic support for all, particularly for under-privileged or minority groups, is Hridai’s passion. He actively seeks to make a difference, with one of his key contributions being a volunteer tutor for those within his community who cannot afford academic support.
Hridai provides free support in maths, biology and chemistry to refugee students who face difficulties integrating into the education system. He is currently developing an interactive A-level educational website, ‘Learning for All’ designed to support hospital-bound children. His focus on educational equality ensures that everyone regardless of their circumstances, has access to learning opportunities.
As a volunteer with the Medical Kits Project, Hridai assembles and distributes personalised medical kits to refugee centres such as New Citizens Gateway and care homes. Inspired by his volunteering experience, he extended his impact further by providing essential medical aid for the homeless. This project was influenced by his trip to India, where he witnessed the devastating effects of untreated infections among the homeless.
Hridai’s efforts have not only improved individual lives but have also strengthened communities by addressing critical gaps in education, healthcare, and social support. His work ensures that those who are often overlooked receive the help that they deserve.
The BCyA Medal of Honour is presented to only a small number of exceptional young individuals annually. The British Citizen Youth Award in partnership with Specsavers, is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday young people for exceptional endeavour and is open to any person aged 18 or under who is committed to helping others.
In addition to the 22 individual medalists, one group of young people is honoured with The Dame Mary Perkins British Citizen Group Award. This unique accolade is only open to groups of young people and will be presented with an Official Presentation Plaque, Medal and Certificate of Honour.
“We are delighted to be able to recognise these amazing individuals with a BCyA. It is both heartening and uplifting to know that so many young people are consciously contributing to causes such as the environment, climate change, education, and creating awareness and fundraising for hospitals, medical research and charities. The youth of today are truly the leaders of tomorrow and we are humbled that BCyA Patron Dame Mary, who is also founder of Specsavers, has put her name to the prestigious group accolade, enabling us to broaden its recognition of young people in society”, stated Mike Faulkner, Director of the BCyA.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 medal presentations, register online at www.britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk.
