Youth Matters Awards

YMCA North Staffordshire 

We are incredibly honoured and proud to be nominated for YMCA of the Year at this year’s YMCA Youth Matters Awards.

This nomination means so much to everyone at YMCA North Staffordshire. Every day, our staff, volunteers, partners and young people work together to create opportunities, strengthen our community and support young people to belong, contribute and thrive.

Over the past year, we have continued to grow the support and opportunities available to young people across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. From opening our brand-new Youth Hub, creating a dedicated space where young people can connect, learn, be creative and develop new skills, to the continued work of Hope Court, supporting young people on their journey towards greater confidence and independence, everything we do is centred around creating positive opportunities for young people.

Matthew Peacham 

We are incredibly proud that Matthew Peacham has been nominated for Young Worker of the Year at this year’s YMCA Youth Matters Awards.

Matt is a valued member of the YMCA North Staffordshire team, and this nomination is a fantastic recognition of the commitment, passion and energy he brings to his work.

We’re delighted to see Matt’s hard work recognised on a national stage and incredibly proud to have him representing YMCA North Staffordshire.

Taylor Wallbanks

We are incredibly proud that Taylor Wallbanks has been nominated for Young Leader of the Year at this year’s YMCA Youth Matters Awards.

Taylor’s journey is one of resilience, determination and inspiring leadership. Despite experiencing challenges during her early years, Taylor has used her own experiences to become a powerful voice and positive role model for other young people.

Since joining the House Project in 2023, Taylor has grown into a national leadership role, becoming Chair of the National House Project in 2025 and continuing her involvement as a Champion. She has confidently shared her experiences with hundreds of people at national conferences, as well as addressing the Trustees of the National House Project.

Taylor is passionate about making sure young people’s voices are heard. She has contributed to Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Co-Parenting Board, helped train Social Work students at Staffordshire University and spoken directly with local employers about the challenges young people can face when entering employment.

Emma Fitzsimmons

We are incredibly proud that Emma Fitzimmons has been nominated for Young Worker of the Year at this year’s YMCA Youth Matters Awards.

Emma brings passion, dedication and care to her role at YMCA North Staffordshire, always striving to make a positive difference to the young people and communities we support.

This nomination is a fantastic recognition of Emma’s hard work and the impact she continues to make.

YMCA Go!

We are incredibly proud that YMCA Go! has been nominated for Family & Youth Work Project of the Year at this year’s YMCA Youth Matters Awards.

YMCA Go! is all about creating opportunities for young people to get involved, build confidence, develop new skills and make a positive difference within their community.

This nomination is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, energy and commitment that goes into YMCA Go! and, most importantly, celebrates the amazing young people who make the project what it is.