Bolton Lads & Girls Club has been awarded the accolade of ‘Youth Organisation of the Year’ at the UK Youth Awards ceremony, held in London on Wednesday 7th December.
The Youth Organisation of the Year Award celebrates the innovative and adaptable youth organisations that have overcome challenges to continuously support young people and their local communities. Helping young people to positively progress and support them through their social development journey.
Bolton Lads & Girls Club was presented with their award by Rob Wilson, Minister for Civil Society and then went to be congratulated by UK Youth’s patron, HRH the Princess Royal at a prestigious event at Buckingham Palace. They will also be awarded a suite of prizes including grant funding of up to £350, mentoring and free membership with UK Youth or a Nation Partner.
After picking up the award, Karen Edwards OBE, Bolton Lads & Girls Club CEO, said:
We are absolutely thrilled to have won the Youth Organisation of the Year Award let alone to have been shortlisted in the category. Gaining recognition for such a prestigious Award is a real testament to the support that Bolton Lads & Girls Club provides and represents a tremendous achievement for us in our mission in making the lives of young people better.
We believe that with the right support and skills needed, young people are capable of achieving anything they put their mind to and Bolton Lads & Girls Club will continue to provide that for them.
One of the oldest and largest youth clubs in the country amassing over 127 years of experience to support 1 in 9 young people in the community, Bolton Lads & Girls Club were one of three shortlisted for the Award nationally. Among the judging panel to shortlist applications were Sol Campbell, Nigel Mansell CBE and The Minister of Civil Society, Rob Wilson.
Anna Smee, CEO of UK Youth said:
“Bolton Lads & Girls Club is very well deserved winner of the Youth Organisations of the Year title at the UK Youth Awards. Steeped in history, the club has been able to adapt in the wake of funding cuts to remain innovative, vibrant, sustainable and relevant to the young people they support. It was great to be able to shine a light on their achievements, and celebrate youth work and informal learning at the UK Youth Awards, showcasing how crucial it is to helping young people build futures and gain independence.”
The annual UK Youth Awards ceremony is a high-profile event in the charity calendar. Since launching, the awards have honoured charities, large and small, from across the UK, acknowledging their outstanding work and achievements and the tireless commitment of the people behind them.
The Awards programme is organised by UK Youth, the leading national charity the empowers over 800,000 young people, aged 9-25, to take control of their own lives and offers them the support, encouragement and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. The aim is for every young person UK Youth works with, to become a positive force for change in their own life, and the lives of others.
