YMCA Announces its Youth Worker of the Year

Hove youth worker Jon Feltham has been named as the YMCA Youth Worker of the Year for 2009 by YMCA England.

Feltham, an assistant support worker at Hove YMCA for the past 15 months, with young people aged 16-25 and said the award meant so much more because he was nominated by the young people he works with. For winning Jon will receive £1000 to spend how he wishes at Hove YMCA.

He said: "It's an honour to be selected for this award, and especially humbling to be nominated by young people who, every day, are an inspiration to me. I look forward to hearing their thoughts on how we should spend our winnings!"

Jon was nominated for the award by Kristina Gohman-Britton, 25, and Mateusz Witzac, 21, both residents at Hove YMCA.

Mateusz said: "I've had a lot of problems over the past year, and Jon is always there for me. I get nervous going to appointments and Jon always changes his work shifts to go with me. Jon has worked extra hard to cheer me up and supports me with everything. He is always available and always smiling. I could not ask for a better key worker.

As well as Jon's one-to-one work with young people, he has worked hard in providing education and training opportunities for young people, arranging for guest speakers to talk to the young people about their experiences and job opportunities. He also produced a resource manual for staff and residents at Hove YMCA with helpful information about employment, housing and other service information.

Ian Green, Chief Executive of YMCA England, said, "It is often the attention and dedication of a single youth worker who makes someone feel like they truly belong at the YMCA, and Jon's work at Hove YMCA has been extraordinary in helping young people reach their potential.  I would like to congratulate Jon on winning this award and wish him continued success in his important work at Hove YMCA."  

Feltham was one of three youth workers shortlisted for the award by YMCA England. The other youth workers were Mandy Parker from Blackburn YMCA and Scott Flashman from West London YMCA.