Archie Matthews is one of eight inspirational young people recognised at a prestigious award ceremony for their outstanding achievements on Friday 21 November, where he was also crowned Nottinghamshire County Council’s countywide winner.
Archie, from Broxtowe, was nominated for his extensive volunteering, both at his youth club and with St John’s Ambulance. Archie is always on hand to represent the youth club, and present it as a welcoming, safe place for other young people – including painting the youth club during half term, dismantling old furniture, setting up game consoles and activities, and always volunteering his help.
Archie is also an active volunteer for the Derbyshire St. Johns Ambulance, training other young people in first aid, and working at local events. He’s a regional representative on the East Midlands St Johns young persons’ board, and the Lord Lieutenant’s cadet representative for Derbyshire. He even got to meet the Princess Royal whilst representing the service.
In his nomination, Archie was praised for the time he gives to his local community, and the impact he has made.
About winning the countywide award, he said, “It feels absolutely incredible. Not just to win, but to be able to come and be a part of the competition and see what other people in my community have achieved, adds it all up and makes it such an amazing experience.”
Youth Service Senior Practitioner Paul Bailey, who runs the youth club Archie attends and nominated him for the award, said, “It’s a great feeling to see Archie get recognition, and it’s well deserved. The amount of work he’s put in and the length of time that he’s committed to working in both the community and the youth club – it’s come to fruition. I’m really pleased.
“It means a lot to me – I’ve worked at the centre for 21 years, and I probably haven’t had anyone else as deserving as Archie in that time.”
Councillor Rory Green, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families said,
“The event tonight shows us how adversity can spark greatness, and it is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the resilience and compassion of Nottinghamshire’s young people.
“The winners tonight are role models, and forces for change, in both their own lives, and those around them. All of the young people nominated have shown great personal achievement, and we are also celebrating them, as they have faced challenges that many adults can only imagine.
“Every young person in our county and beyond has the ability to overcome barriers. We need to believe in them, uplift them, and support them, and invest in their future.”
The annual event, taking place at County Hall, brought together the county’s eight district winners and their families, and included videos about each winner’s achievements, as well as musical performances from Inspire Youth Art’s Will Hickman and Meryx, and speeches from members of Youth Parliament and the Nottinghamshire young people’s board.
There was a total of 117 nominations received for the award, and all young people nominated received a certificate, nomination star and letter acknowledging their nomination and achievement from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Head of Youth Services, Pom Bhogal.
The event was attended by around 100 guests, including members of the youth service and County Council Madam Chairman, Jan Goold, and Leader of the council, Councillor Mick Barton.
The other district award winners are:
- Jovi Oates, from Ashfield, for her role as a young carer for her 11-year-old brother Billy and selflessly putting her own struggles aside to put her brother and his needs first – championing and supporting him, and doing so with unwavering love, patience, and strength.
- Natalie Lowe, from Bassetlaw, for her personal resilience against bullying and overcoming struggles with her mental health alongside her autism diagnosis. She also found the courage to perform again, singing in front of an audience at her Youth Club display, despite being ill.
- Eloise and Phoebe Straw, from Gedling, who have shown great personal strength since losing their mum suddenly at a young age, supporting their family and friends, whilst dealing with bullying at school. They continue to support and uplift others, showing great courage.
- Anastasiia Kharenko, from Mansfield, for demonstrating strength of character to her peers and teachers, after moving with her mother to the United Kingdom from Ukraine. She learnt to speak English, completed her GCSEs with just one year of study, finished her A-levels, and is now studying at Nottingham Trent University. Despite leaving family behind, she has embraced her new circumstances with a high level of calm, showing incredible resilience and determination.
- Brooklyn Parkes, from Newark and Sherwood, for her role as a young carer for her sister, Teddy, helping her family give 24-hour care, including preparing meals, personal care, and providing mental and emotional support. She remains a happy young person, participating in projects at school and her youth club, continuously giving tasks 100% of her energy and time, and always wanting to help others.
- Ben Hulland, from Rushcliffe, who lives with 9P Minus Syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition that presents unique challenges. He has grown in confidence, participating in group activities at his youth club. He is a role model for perseverance and a shining example of how young people can overcome barriers and thrive.
For more details about the Outstanding Achievement 4Uth award, visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/
