Nine years ago, the first Slough Youth Parliament (SYP) created the Slough Youth Awards to highlight the great things our youth do locally. They wanted to shine a spotlight on those who have overcome and contributed in impressive ways. Now supported by the Youth Voice Team and a standing part of Slough Youth Parliament’s manifesto, the awards help to recognise and celebrate the amazing achievements of Slough’s youth.

For this year’s awards there were 76 nominations and 138 people in attendance on 22 November at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy.

The event kicked off with a speech from MP Tan Dhesi, highlighting all the positive work in the community done by young residents, and applauding the personal challenges many have overcome in their lives to go on and succeed at personal goals.

Our keynote speaker was Sara who shared her story of unexpected challenges and personal loss, whilst searching for a meaningful way to move forward with her life, started volunteering with Sakoon Through Cancer as a young cadet, and then started her path to medical school.

Two of the nominees gave a DJing performance on the night, Avion Richardson and Fabian Richardson. 

Hosting the awards were Junior Jonski, chair of SYP, and Rijuta Acharya, our local representative on the UK youth parliament. The awards were planned and delivered by members of Slough Youth Parliament, Slough Young Inspectors, and the Youth Voice team at Slough Borough Council.

‘Reach Out’ a short mental health film was also shown during the ceremony – a film made by Young Health Champions volunteering with Together As One and professionals from Resource Productions, delivered for the Frimley integrated Care Board.

Alongside this year’s sponsors, Sakoon Through Cancer, Asian Star Radio, Salt Hill VR, Thrive 365, Cardo, Quadrin Group; we congratulate 2024’s Slough Youth Award Winners:

Some of the previous winners have gone onto work at Sky TV, be part of national committees, volunteer internationally, progress successfully onto university and work in our community.

The award judges were:

Cllr Puja Bedi, lead member for education and children’s services, said: “Congratulations to all of the Slough Youth Award winners, this is a fantastic achievement for you all and is testament to your talents, dedication, and achievements. Thanks also go to our dedicated Youth Voice team, who plan these awards every year and give our young people opportunities, support, and guidance.” 

Of the 25 people who gave feedback at the end of the night, 19 rated the event 5/5, 5 rated it 4/5 and 1 person rated it 3/5 and they all enjoyed the award ceremony and the keynote speaker the most, out of all elements on offer. SYP will now go onto evaluate the event and use their new event management skills and feedback, to plan the next Slough Young People’s Question Time, in February 2025.

For more information contact Nadine Barrett, Youth Work Team Leader - Youth Voice.

07540148520 nadine.barrett@slough.gov.uk