Celebrating
young people in Plymouth
The Plymouth Youth Awards celebrate children and young adults throughout the city for their outstanding achievements, inspiring feats against adversity, and tireless dedication to creating change.
Thirteen coveted awards will be presented at the 2026 ceremony, where we will celebrate over 39 amazing finalists across a range of categories. These individuals epitomise the incredible work being done to transform lives and enrich communities daily.
The awards will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Plymouth on Saturday, 20th June 2026.
The Plymouth Youth Awards are brought to you by YMCA Plymouth.
NOMINATE NOWYou can nominate any young person under the age of 21 living in Plymouth.
2024 Photo Gallery
See below our photo gallery from the glittering 2024 final hosted at Crowne Plaza Plymouth.
View Photos
2026 Award Categories & Sponsors
Inspirational Person of the Year
This award recognises an individual who has experienced significant personal achievement and overcomes personal barriers to grow and develop and become an inspiration for others. They may also be a volunteer or an engaged member of the community.
Sponsored by
Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award
This award recognises a young person or organisation who has made an exceptional contribution to their community or has positively impacted the lives of others by taking on social action, giving back or making a difference in a significant way.
Sponsored by
Arts and Culture Award
The award is presented to a young person who has made the most positive impact on their community through the use of art. These nominees have shown creative flair in communicating their message and good practice in their work.
Sponsored by
Young Apprentice Award
This award recognises the achievements of an individual for their outstanding work within employment.
Sponsored by
Inclusivity Award
This award recognises a young person or organisation who works tirelessly to make others feel safe and included in their community. Someone who has worked to eliminate discrimination and ensure minorities are not excluded from the community.
Sponsored by
Supported Internship Award
This award recognises a young person (aged 16-21) who has excelled in their internship within the last 12 months, demonstrating dedication, growth, and impact. The nominee should show strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and significant personal or professional development. They must have made a meaningful contribution to their workplace, whether through innovation, teamwork, or resilience in overcoming challenges
Sponsored by
Young Carer Award
This award recognises a young person who has demonstrated exceptional support for others. The award is available to young people from all backgrounds who have shown support for their peers, friends or relatives that has helped them to cope with the illness or disability of someone they care about.
Sponsored by
Student of the Year
This award recognises a young student who is an exceptional learner and has demonstrated a positive impact on their own professional development and academic studies through effective application of the theory they’ve learned.
Sponsored by
Fundraiser of the Year
This award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to fundraising. The fundraiser should have shown consistent excellence and best practice through their actions, leadership and intellect.
Sponsored by
Team Award
The team award identifies a group who are determined to make a positive difference. Displaying a strong team culture where people are aligned on purpose and empowered to work both individually and collectively on achieving that purpose.
Sponsored by
Unsung Hero Award
This award recognises special someone in the community who goes that extra mile. The person who volunteers to help make other people’s lives that bit better, or simply puts a smile on people’s faces by bringing the community together. They represent a hidden army that, put simply, changes people’s lives on a daily basis within their local communities. They may run/organise local activities, donate their time to a local cause/charity or simply go above and beyond the norm to help others.
Sponsored by
The Commissioner’s Community Safety Award
This award recognises a young person or group who have made a positive contribution to improving safety within their school, neighbourhood or wider community. It honours those who promote awareness of issues such as anti-social behaviour, online safety or violence prevention, and who act as positive role models to their peers. This award celebrates young people who help others feel safer, more supported and more connected, demonstrating leadership, responsibility and a clear commitment to creating a safer Plymouth for everyone.
Sponsored by
Young Neighbourhood Hero Award
This award celebrates a young person who has made a tangible difference in their local community or neighbourhood through their initiative, care and commitment. It recognises those who volunteer their time, organise local activities, support neighbours or vulnerable residents, or help improve shared community spaces. This award honours a young person whose actions have had a positive impact locally, inspiring others and strengthening community spirit through their dedication and leadership
sponsored by
Young Environmentalist Award
This award recognises young people who raise environmental awareness and improve the environment. This will honour the work of a young person who has been able to protect, conserve and enhance the environment through local environmental projects, making a difference to their lives and the lives of others locally.
Avaliable for sponsor
Sportsperson of the Year
The award recognises an individual who is making positive contributions to the sports community through personal achievement, leadership or service.
Avaliable for sponsor
2026 Awards Timeline
Monday 2nd March
Nominations Open
Thursday 30th April
Nominations Close
5th-22nd May
Shortlisting & Judging period
Monday 25th May
Finalists Announced
20th June 2026 | 3pm-8pm
Awards Night @ Crowne Plaza Plymouth
2026 Awards Night Details
The Grand Final
After months of nominating and deliberating, we will finally announce the 13 winners of the Plymouth Youth Awards at a spectacular red carpet event within the Crowne Plaza.
The evening will be produced by PL1 Events and hosted by David Fitzgerald, the well-known TV
and Radio Broadcaster.
Throughout the evening, we will hear stories of inspiration, hope and success as well as enjoy a 2-course dinner.
Finalists will be given complementary tickets, and additional tickets will be available to purchase. Further ticket information will be available after the finalists are announced.
Contact us
Any enquries or question please contact :
Sarah Newberry
sarah.newberry@ymcaplymouth.org.uk
or Gemma Barriball
gemma.barriball@ymcaplymouth.org.uk
