Young people's service celebrates first birthday with awards ceremony

SHP held an awards ceremony on Friday 23 March to celebrate the achievements of young people at our support service in Lewisham.

Commissioners, partners, staff and young people gathered at the local community theatre for the first birthday celebrations, featuring music and dance performances, as well as an awards ceremony recognising the young people's various individual achievements.

Lottie, a service user got the event started with a dance inspired by the Super Mario computer games. Lottie later received the award for Overall Development, to recognise the transformation she has made since she started with the service a year ago.

Lottie said: “I’m going to put the award on my mantelpiece, right next to the TV. I’m really happy, I can’t remember winning an award before!”

Young People’s Services Manager Sebastian Moh said: " Our service is all about supporting young people to overcome the challenges they face and develop the skills they need to live an independent and rewarding life. This is one occasion when it can honestly be said, that it is the taking part that counts and every young person nominated for an award is truly a winner! Lottie has had to overcome more than most and we have been delighted to see her development.”

Meshack won the award for Confidence and Achievement and Joe, who was sleeping rough just a couple of years ago, won the award for Striving for Excellence.

Team Manager Julia Archer said: “It was a first great birthday celebration thanks to the amazing performances from some of the young people. We’re looking forward to a lot more success over the year ahead.”

Below: The award-winners with their trophies at last week's event.