The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its ninth year, honoured 21 young people yesterday from across the UK that have made a difference in their communities and to society. These selfless young people have shown commitment to a multitude of causes, raising funds and awareness, and are all dedicated to making a difference.
Each inspirational young person received The British Citizen Youth Award Medal of Honour, presented at The Palace of Westminster where the official presentation ceremony was held. Each young medallist is invited to use the post-nominals BCyA as a legacy of their achievements and commitment to others.
Hosting the event was Singer and Actress, Kimberly Wyatt who is also a Patron of The British Citizen Youth Award who said ‘Many of these kids have faced turmoil in their own lives yet still choose to be selfless and help others. I applaud you and your families for your hard work and dedication. You are the future, and your brilliant endeavours will make a difference!’
Roberta Crawford, age 17, from London, was presented with the BCyA Medal of Honour by Alison Bond, BCyA Schools Programme Lead.
Growing up in an East London Borough that has one of the UK’s highest rates of social deprivation in under twenty-fives was tough for Roberta, known as Bobbie. Many young people feel disconnected, caught up in cycles of harm, exposed to gangs, criminality, violence, grooming and exploitation. To turn her life around and help other young people to navigate the darker side of inner-city life, Bobbie enrolled on a programme with charity, Streets of Growth.
Bobbie became part of a dynamic social action project called Young Influencers. Where she volunteers planning events, leading discussions on Podcasts highlighting gaps and the needs of vulnerable young people, identifying with their challenges and making a real difference on a peer-to-peer level.
Recently, Bobbie played a young-lead role in a community cohesion event attended by 2,000 people representing 15 differing nationalities. Bobbie’s successful transformation and her outstanding involvement helping other young people was remarked upon by HRH The Princess of Wales on a recent visit to Streets of Growth.
Bobbie’s personal journey has continued apace, achieving her core subject exam grades, securing a part-time job and a place in college. Her greatest accomplishment is the impact she has had on over 4000 people dealing with the complexity of social, environmental, educational, and future career issues.
Dame Mary Perkins, Patron of the BCA said: ‘The British Citizen Youth Award recipients are very special individuals. These young people all go above and beyond for others with selfless acts of kindness and community spirit with no thought or expectation of praise or reward. This Medal ceremony is a great opportunity to shine a light on what they do and give them the recognition they so thoroughly deserve. They are the nation’s true unsung heroes and the rising stars of the future.’
Usually only open to individuals, this is the third year, The BCyA, alongside Partner’s Specsavers, have honoured a group with The Dame Mary Perkins British Citizen Youth Award. The group, WCHG Youth Ability Group from Manchester, have collectively positively impacted their community.
Each Medal of Honour bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and is presented to only a small number of exceptional young individuals annually. The British Citizen Youth Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday young people for exceptional endeavour and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 medal presentations, register online at www.britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk.
