YOUTH worker Ryan Kennedy won the Young Leader Award at the first-ever Young Ealing Foundation Awards.
The awards ceremony, hosted at the University of West London in Ealing, celebrated young people who have made a difference to their community.
Ryan’s journey started after a family bereavement made him decide to attend YMCA Hayes youth boxing sessions.
It proved to be an outlet and escape from constantly feeling sad and negative at home.
After a period of homelessness and sofa surfing, he moved into supported accommodation at YMCA Hayes, where he engaged with the youth team.
This opened his eyes to a new way of life - meeting friends and positive mentors - which encouraged him to volunteer with the youth team.
Since then, he has taken on a Kick Starter youth worker role.
The Young Leader Award recognises him as a role model who demonstrates exceptional leadership and has, through his passion, commitment and motivation, inspired those around him.
Charlotte Bawden, Youth Development Manager at YMCA St Paul’s Group, said: “We are excited to see what further achievements he will gain as he begins his youth work career.”
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