“Young people have been heard”: Local Sheffield charity receives most prestigious voluntary award
A youth centre in Burngreave has received the highest award possible for a non-profit in the UK, recognising their contributions to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Lord Mayor of Sheffield and founder of Reach Up Youth, Safiya Saeed, was grateful to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Ms Saeed spoke about the origins of the charity. She said:
“It really started with an idea of how young people can change their own environment.
“This award means that young people have been heard.”
Founded in 2013, the organisation now hosts various projects, but are particularly proud of their Big Brother, Sisterhood and Wednesday sessions.
Big Brother and Sisterhood involve children volunteering, trying different sports and experiencing days out.
Abdul-Malik Onasanya, 25, co-founded the charity when he was 17-years-old. On his first day he only intended to play football; he now works there as a leader and ambassador.
Mr Onasanya explained how, in a suburb with little youth activities, these projects keep children off the streets.
He said: “If you live in this area, you only do the sports you do in school with PE and then you might play football on the street with your friends.
“If I ask half of the people, they wouldn't even have been skating or swimming before, but it's a basic thing for other areas.”
Big Brother boys playing basketball. Photo by Lysia Wright
The non-profit also supports young people beyond the common cut-off age at 18-years-old.
Their Wednesday sessions are tailored to young adults, offering a place to build employability, participate in fun activities or simply relax.
Mohammed Ibrahim, 21, first went to Reach Up Youth when he was 13-years-old and continued to receive support as an adult. He now works there as a team leader.
He said: “I love being with these kids, I was in the position they’re in now and I can help them build themselves a better character”.
Waleed Ferhat, 14, and Rayan Tayan, 13, currently enjoy participating in Reach Up Youth’s projects.
Rayan said: “The leaders understand if you’ve got something to say. They won’t ignore you, the amount of help they send out to you, it’s a lot”.
Waleed spoke about his first session. He said:
“I didn't know anyone, but I really got supported.
“No one knew who I was. I'm just saying, if you want to come, you're going to get loads of support. Everyone's going to help you.”