We are delighted to announce that three of our nominations for the Youth Matters Awards are through to the finals!
But we need your help. This year, your votes go directly to picking the winner of each category, so they count this year more than ever. There are only two weeks to get your votes in and help our amazing nominees win these well-deserved awards.
You can make your vote here.
Amy Mayfield Richardson – Young Campaigner of the Year 
Amy, 22, has called Supported Housing at Worthing Foyer home since 2024. In that short time, she’s become a powerful voice of resilience, leadership and compassion.
From an early age, Amy faced immense adversity and trauma. Yet she never let her past dictate her path. Instead, she’s used those experiences to fuel real change—not just for herself, but for other young people trying to find their footing in the world.
As a respected member of the West Sussex County Council Care Leavers Advisory Board, Amy is helping to shape national policy. She’s travelled across the country ensuring the voices of care-experienced young people are heard by those in power.
Amy also delivers training to frontline professionals, using her own story to improve services and promote awareness around neurodiversity and SEND. Her insight is helping build a more inclusive, compassionate system that values every young person’s potential.
Vote now!
Emily Sinden – Young Achiever of the Year
Emily’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. A care leaver referred to YMCA DownsLink Group in June 2023 at just 18 years old, she arrived after living in what she bravely described as a ‘high risk placement’.
Through her time in fully supported housing at Hastings Foyer and MacKendrick House, followed by transitional accommodation, Emily has shown extraordinary personal growth. Her outlook on life has shifted, and her aspirations have soared.
Most recently, she applied for a carpentry apprenticeship with major building firms Barrett and Redrow. Out of thousands of hopefuls, Emily earned a coveted interview spot hosted at Chelsea FC—chosen from over 2,500 applicants.
Her resilience and ambition make her a role model for other young people navigating life after care. Emily isn’t just building a career, she’s constructing a future full of promise.
Vote now!
Chaplaincy – Diversity Award 
The Chaplaincy team is the beating heart of our foyers, bringing warmth, empathy and connection. They help turn our spaces into a true home, where vulnerable residents can begin to heal, grow and flourish.
Through culturally sensitive, inclusive sessions, often shared over a meal, they offer much more than spiritual guidance. They provide comfort, companionship and a sense of belonging, ensuring every individual feels seen, heard and valued.
Supported by dedicated multifaith volunteers, they’ve created a space for honest conversation and emotional safety. These exchanges build trust, dissolve barriers and remind residents that their stories matter and their worth is never in question.
By focusing on shared humanity and unity, the Chaplaincy team continues to foster a culture of respect, understanding and hope, one meal at a time.
