Last week we gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the young people who inspire us every day. The Jack Petchey Achievement Awards are a testament to the incredible efforts and determination of youth across London and Essex. These awards, set up by Sir Jack Petchey CBE, aim to recognise and celebrate young people who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience in their personal and academic lives. As Sir Jack always says, “If you think you can, you can!” and it’s this spirit that was on full display at the event.
This year, CYP had the honour of seeing more of our young attendees celebrated at the ceremony, where they were presented with a medal. Each winner also has the opportunity to use a £300 grant to benefit their organisation, a truly exciting aspect of the award that allows the young people to further invest in their futures.
We celebrated the following young people and their achievements:
Evie Seabrook
Leading with Purpose
Evie has been a fantastic mentor at our youth club. She’s shown incredible leadership, particularly in projects that have had a real impact. One of her standout contributions was leading the refurbishment of the girls’ toilets. Her efforts transformed the space, making it more welcoming and comfortable for those that use the space. She’s also played a key role in organising activities for the girls’ group, making sure their voices are heard and their ideas valued. Evie’s dedication to supporting her peers and fostering an inclusive environment truly captures what the Achievement Award is all about.
Elijah Auguste
A Journey of Personal Growth
Elijah has really grown over the past year, both personally and as a leader. Through attending various training sessions in leadership, mental health, and equal opportunities, he’s gained the confidence and skills to become a mentor himself. His growth hasn’t just been about learning new things – it’s also helped him connect with others in a deeper way. Elijah is a perfect example of how the Achievement Award encourages young people to develop, step out of their comfort zones, and inspire those around them.
Fawaz Adekunle
From Aspiring Actor to On-Screen Talent
Fawaz’s story shows just how important it is to chase your dreams. Through our employability programme, Fawaz has progressed through various acting opportunities and is now appearing as an extra in a new Ashley Walters film. His journey demonstrates what can happen when you believe in yourself, grab every opportunity that comes your way, and stay committed to your passion. Fawaz’s success highlights the importance of pursuing your goals, no matter where they take you.
Josh Mussie
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
Josh’s journey has been one of resilience. He’s faced some tough challenges, but he’s used the support from our employment and therapeutic programmes to turn things around. With hard work and determination, Josh has gone on to become a proud TFL officer, proving that anything is possible if you keep pushing forward. His story is a powerful reminder that perseverance can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
A Night to Remember
The Jack Petchey Achievement Awards ceremony is always an evening to remember, filled with pride, joy, and inspiration. The young people we celebrated that night have not only achieved great things but have also shown incredible determination and heart. Whether overcoming personal challenges, stepping out of their comfort zones, or supporting others, these young people have shown what it truly means to strive for excellence.
We’re so proud of our youth club members and everything they’ve achieved, and we can’t wait to keep supporting them on their journeys. As Sir Jack Petchey believes, every young person should have the opportunity to achieve, and our award winners are perfect examples of this philosophy in action.
To all our young achievers: Keep trying, keep believing, and always remember – If you think you can, you can!
