Last months Girdlers’ Prizegiving (29th April) was a proud moment for our organisation as we gathered to celebrate Chelsea receiving his award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to children and young people at Copenhagen Youth Project.
Chelsea’s journey with us has been remarkable. He first joined as a participant, later choosing to volunteer his time and energy to support others. His commitment only grew from there. Today, he is a fully qualified youth worker and a full‑time member of staff, valued deeply by both colleagues and the young people he works with. Seeing him honoured for that dedication was a moment of real pride for everyone who has been part of his story.
Stephen, Kyle and Lauren attended the ceremony alongside him, joining other charities in celebrating the achievements of this year’s prize winners. The evening was warm, welcoming, and full of conversation. Guests enjoyed a well‑hosted dinner, and Steve enjoyed speaking with the Girdlers’ staff, who offered helpful guidance on the evening’s wine selection.
Chelsea and Lauren also made the most of the evening, spending time speaking with members of the Girdlers’ Company about their own journeys and how they became part of the organisation. These conversations sparked genuine interest on both sides, especially with some of the younger members who were keen to explore ways in which they could directly support the charities championed by the Girdlers. Together, we discussed the potential for future skill‑sharing and career talks, which is an exciting opportunity for the young people we work with.
There were also moments of discovery throughout the night. Lauren was fascinated by the history of the Girdlers’ carpet, an extraordinary piece that even survived the Great Fire of London. Kyle left the event already planning a return visit, this time with his daughter, to share some of the history and atmosphere of the venue.
We are incredibly proud of everything Chelsea has achieved so far. His growth, passion and commitment continue to strengthen our work, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues to make a difference in the lives of young people.
