After overcoming barriers and making positive next steps in their lives, Suffolk’s most inspiring young people have been recognised at Inspire’s 4th annual Staff and Student Awards.
After a difficult 18 months for young people across the country, the charity has held its annual celebration for staff and students to commend the inspiring journeys of those who have shown resilience in the face of difficult circumstances and continued to make progress.
Inspire works closely with over 800 young people each year, helping them to boost confidence, progress on to a positive future and make the very best of their lives.
The awards were sponsored by Cheddar Creative, with the nominees for this year’s event chosen by a panel of judges consisting of Terry Baxter (CEO), Andy Crump (Deputy CEO), Harriet Johnson (Trustee) and Tom McGarry (Patron from EDF Sizewell C).
Among the winners this year was Jude Cyrille, 19, who won the Inspirational Young Person Award.
Jude joined the Prince’s Trust Team Programme with Inspire through the Youth Offending Team, after finding himself on the wrong side of the law. He was keen to right his wrongs and was inspired by his time on work experience as a youth worker, receiving feedback of the highest quality.
Not only has Jude been working consistently since finishing the programme, but he has also returned to Inspire this summer as a member of staff to support others and credits the course for giving him a focus.
He said, “I was in and out of my home for about a year, sofa surfing and money was tight. Each day I’d wake up and decide I was going to do whatever – I had too much freedom.
“I think the courses have helped me to sort of grow up. When I started the course, I had just turned 18 which is that age where you’re just starting to turn the corner and become an adult, so you can’t be sat around doing nothing or you won’t get anywhere. The course put me on the right track.”
Meanwhile, Chloe Leggett was the winner in the Young Person of the Year category. When Chloe met Inspire, she was struggling with anxiety after moving into a hostel. While she was unsure at first, she threw herself into Team Programme and became someone other members of the team looked up to.
“Thanks to Team, I feel a lot more prepared and know what to expect when starting work, especially as I am now interested in youth work. I know how to talk to young people and have built connections.
“The course has made me a lot more confident and I’m a stronger person because of it.”
Following the programme, Chloe has now moved out of the hostel and has massively grown in confidence, using the lessons she’s learnt to face challenges head-on.
Terry Baxter, CEO of Inspire explains, “Our Staff and Student Awards are unashamedly about celebrating success. The nominations highlight the dedicated and ambitious workforce that we have at Inspire as well as the outstanding progression of the young people engaged on our programmes.”
The awards, held this year at Inspire’s HQ on Lindbergh Road, were supported by a number of local organisations including Opus People Solutions, Hemisphere Freight Ltd, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk New College.
2021 Award Categories
Staff Awards
Rising Star
Winner: Kaitlin Constance
Finalist: Emily Perrin
Team of the Year
Winner: Sports Team
Finalists: YES Team and Wellbeing Service
Excellence in Teaching and Delivery
Winner: Peter Robinson
Finalists: Adam Todd and Sharon Michell
The Extra Mile
Winner: Neil Fox
Finalists: Caro Thornton and Rachel Reddington
Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Sharon Michell
Finalists: Karina Scrivener and Charley Keveren
Employee of the Year
Winner: Caro Thornton
Finalist: Karina Scrivener
Student Awards
Roger Fern Outstanding Achievement Award
Winner: Dillon Sheridan
Finalists: Luke Rice and Harvey Windsor
Student Engagement
Winner: Terry Patrick
Finalists: Chloe Leggett and Rosie Bloomfield
Inspirational Young Person
Winner: Jude Cyrille
Finalists: Jorden Gillet and Harry Harrison
Young Person of the Year
Winner: Chloe Leggett
Finalists: Halayzjia Williams and Ryan Skidmore
Harley George Snowling Award
Winner: Rosie Bloomfield
Supporter of the Year
Chili Tozer
Chili handmade over 1,800 facemasks to raise money for Inspire after losing her cousin Harley following a battle with his mental health. She raised over £4,000 and has made appearances on the radio and in the press to raise awareness of youth mental health.
