We’re celebrating one of our young people after he was named Young Achiever of the Year at this year’s YMCA England and Wales Youth Matters Awards.
Luke Shotter had a difficult upbringing but, with the support of our West Kent branch, has turned his life around. Luke engaged in further education and now has a range of qualifications and skills under his belt. His transformation is evident – he has grown in confidence and now works full-time at the charity’s furniture store in Tunbridge Wells.
Winning the Young Achiever award reflects Luke’s exceptional commitment and resilience, and the awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of young individuals who, like Luke, inspire us all to strive for a better, stronger community.
“Luke has truly earned this honour,” said Matt Jones, CEO of YMCA Thames Gateway Group. “His courage, positivity and determination have been instrumental in his achievement. I am immensely proud to celebrate Luke as a beacon of our community’s potential and excited to see his journey continue.
“This award stands as a testament to our collective aspirations and commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. We encourage everyone to join in celebrating Luke’s outstanding contributions, knowing their impact will continue to shape a positive legacy for years to come.”
The Youth Matters Awards remains one of the nation’s most esteemed platforms for recognising young people, volunteers, and initiatives that embody achievement and transformative change within communities.
