About the Awards
At Young K&C, we believe in the power of community and the importance of recognising those who make a difference in the lives of young people. The Young K&C Achievement Awards is our way of honouring the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations within the voluntary and community sector in Kensington and Chelsea.
Why the Awards?
In a borough with over 100 voluntary and community sector organisations dedicated to serving more than 10,000 children and young people, the contributions of these unsung heroes often go unnoticed. The Young K&C Achievement Awards seeks to change that narrative by celebrating the outstanding work of those who consistently deliver high-quality services to local children and young people.
Take a moment to explore the inspiring stories of our past award winners in our Winners' Gallery below and in the youth-made video on the right by Base Productions. From dedicated youth workers to innovative projects, each winner embodies the spirit of excellence and commitment to improving the lives of young people in Kensington and Chelsea.
Read more on our blog.
WE CELEBRATED OUR SECOND EDITION
Achievement Awards 2025
Earlier in July this year, we celebrated the second edition of the Achievement Awards, this time they were hosted at the stunning Ladbroke Hall. It was a truly special evening dedicated to recognising the incredible organisations and individuals whose time, energy, and passion support over 10,000 children and young people across Kensington and Chelsea.
This year, we received over 120 nominations from children, parents, colleagues, and community members. A dedicated panel of community members and professionals read every single one, and they were deeply moved by the stories of passion, dedication, and impact. A heartfelt thank you to our panel for their time and thoughtful consideration.and young people.
MEET SOME OF OUR 2025 WINNERS
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Abdullahi Ali
Lifetime Achievement
Abdullahi has a long career working with children and young people and has been at the front of Baraka Supplementary School, that also won, Supplementary School of the Year!
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Tricia Moorhead
Youth Worker of the Year
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Fatima Zohra El Matachi
Unsung Hero
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Rida Mouj
Leader of the Year
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The Winners of the Young K&C Achievement Awards 2025
Best Work Empowering Youth Voice
- Winner: Nxt Generation CIC For empowering young people with the tools and knowledge to make confident life choices in a safe, inclusive space. The panel commended the depth of responses from young people on how Nxt Generation has empowered them in their daily lives.
- Special Mention: Nova New Opportunities
Best Exploring the Arts and Media- Winner: Azza Supplementary School For promoting cultural identity, diversity, and peace through Arabic calligraphy and commemorative arts. The panel praised the positive promotion of Islamic cultural traditions, reframing a narrative that often discredits its rich history.
- Special Mention: The Fashion School CIC
Best Work on Community Safety and Youth Justice- Winner: Mo1Youths For addressing the root causes of youth violence through mentorship, outreach, creative projects, and mental health support. The panel commended their work in providing safe alternatives to gang culture for vulnerable young people.
- Special Mention: Nxt Generation CIC
Best Work Supporting Health and Wellbeing- Winner: Fit For Life Youth For providing accessible fitness programmes that promote physical health, discipline, and self-confidence. The panel highlighted the range of personal stories showcasing the profound impact of fitness on the mental and physical health of young people.
- Special Mentions: Latimer Community Art Therapy and Our Power Hub CIC
Best Work Supporting Training and Education- Winner: Nova New Opportunities For fostering personal development and strengthening community ties through inclusive and varied educational activities. The panel noted that the nominations told the story of a truly holistic approach to education, supporting both the child and their wider family.
- Special Mention: Because CIC
Best Work Supporting Underrepresented Children and Young People- Winner: Progressay Impact CIC For providing personalised academic and emotional support that helps young people, including those from the Grenfell community, build resilience and confidence. The panel commended the development and commitment of this small organisation to support a wide range of young people.
- Special Mention: Mo1Youths
Supplementary School of the Year- Winner: Baraka Community Association For their high-impact tutoring, career exploration support, and deep community engagement. The panel commended their length of service and dedication to supporting the community in education and cultural connection.
Children and Youth Service of the Year- Winner: Youth Action Alliance For providing outstanding youth-led programmes in music, sports, and mentoring that drive positive social change. The panel commended their commitment to the underserved and their large-scale community events like One Heart and Dance Energy.
- Special Mentions: Dalgarno Trust and The Nucleo Project
MEET SOME OF OUR 2024 WINNERS
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Aurnela Madede
Youth Worker of the Year
Aurnela Madede is described as a passionate, driven and supportive youth worker who has led children and young people to increase their confidence and become the best version of themselves. Aurnela champions the mental health and wellbeing of the children she works with, ensuring they all have a space they can feel safe and secure in.
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Hornimans Adventure Playground
Best Work Championing Play
Hornimans Adventure Playground provides free fun activities and food to children and young people in Kensington and Chelsea. In an exciting outside environment with swings and climbing opportunities, children and young people have the opportunity to explore the environment and build relationships with their peers.
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Ulick Tarabanov
Lifetime Achievement
Ulick Tarabanov has run London Sports Trust for over 25 years, building a community for over 10,000 children and young people for across the tri-borough area. Ulick gives young people the opportunity to access sports, including watersports, skills development and employment.
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Octavia Foundation
Best Work Including SEND Young People
Octavia Foundation providing a unique offer for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to access digital media and film making sessions. The sessions give young people the independence to bring their visions to life through creative media making opportunities.
GET INVOLVED
Nominate
Do you know someone or an organization deserving of recognition? Nominate them for a Young K&C Achievement Award and help us shine a spotlight on their extraordinary efforts.
Attend
Join us at the annual Young K&C Achievement Awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of our winners and show your support for the youth sector in our borough.
Support
Whether it's through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word about youth-focused initiatives, you can support the Achievement Awards for future years.
It brought home the rich tapestry, range and depth of the local voluntary and community sector, the incredibly committed people who work in it (for less money than they could earn elsewhere), and the selflessness of people who volunteer and give so much of themselves to helping others”
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates from Young K&C by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter. Together, let's continue to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of those who make a difference in the lives of young people in Kensington and Chelsea.
For inquiries or more information, please contact Niamh at niamh@youngkandc.org.uk
Thank you for joining us in celebrating excellence in children and youth services with the Young K&C Achievement Awards!
