Awards for 2024!
Last Friday was one of the highlights in the Sycamore Trust calendar, as we handed out our 2024 awards for achievement. For several years now, thanks to the support of the Jack Petchey Foundation, we've given awards to a group of young people that we have supported throughout the year. There is no specific criteria to receiving a JPF award, as long as you've taken part in our groups and activities with a positive attitude, then you're in with a chance.
Participants at each of our youth projects and clubs were invited to nominate someone from their group and we also selected a couple of award winners among the Sycamore Trust staff. Thus, there was a small gathering on Friday of young people and their parents at our premises in Dagenham as we handed out our Jack Petchey Awards for 2024. The event was hosted by Sycamore’s Chery Kearney, who handed out the awards, along with master of ceremonies Steve Dixon and photographer Matt Dyde.
Jeremy
The first award went to Jeremy, a hugely popular young man, who won his award for his efforts at the Saturday Sports Zone but could have been nominated for his participation at Lambourne End this year.
If there were awards for enthusiasm, then Skye would sweep the board. We’ve known this young lady for a good few years now and we knew that she’s be an asset to our youth activities when she became old enough and so it’s proved. She was nominated by her peers at Monday Club.
Skye
This year there happened to be two winners from Wednesday Club, as both Brayden and Lenny were chosen by the other group members. It was because they are great company and has nothing to do with their allegiances to West Ham!
Brayden
The next award winner was a young lady who is a member of our Saturday girls group, who was nominated because she is a popular member of the group. Connie always entertains them by providing a weekly update about everything that has happened in school that week, which often raises a smile.
There was a long overdue JPF award for Linda from our Havering Peer Group, Havering Steering Group and our Women’s 18-30 Group. She was nominated by her peers at Women’s Group because she is friendly, kind and has an infectious sense of humour and always makes them laugh.
There were two awards associated with our outdoor week back in August at Lambourne End. Dylan tackled every challenge that week, but he was nominated because of his enthusiasm, courage and commitment and for supporting and encouraging others around him.
Dylan
Another award for the outdoor week went to Jonathan, who had a positive attitude from start to finish and really impressed every member of the staff team with his commitment and willingness throughout the week.
Jonathan
We finished with another of our own Sycamore Trust awards, this time for a Positive Contribution and it was a really easy one for us to select. It went to Joseph, who is a member of our Men’s 18-30 Group, Havering Peer Group and Havering Steering Group, where he takes the minutes. At the start of this year, he decided he wanted to give something back to Sycamore Trust by volunteering with our Autism Ambassadors project. Now, we see him regularly giving his time to help prepare training material and supporting the Ambassador team to deliver training and awareness-raising sessions to professionals, members of the public and school assemblies.
Joseph
Once again, it was a great event and a chance to reflect on another busy year, but a year full of achievements, progress and personal development. Thanks to Cheryl for presenting the awards and to Matt & Steve for making it happen. But most of all, thank you to all the award winners - well deserved!