Mayor Muhammad Sadiq and Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, were among those present to celebrate the Sutton Youth Celebration Awards.

The Europa Gallery in Sutton Central Library welcomed nominees and their families as the winners of the awards, which recognise the achievements and creativity of Sutton’s young people, were announced.

Each year nominations for the Sutton Youth Celebration Awards made for young people living, studying or working in Sutton who’ve overcome great difficulties or hardships to succeed against the odds.

The event was planned and delivered by Sutton’s Youth Parliament and hosted by three of its members Bethany Knowles, Rahma Salia, and Daigan Reid, and featured speeches from Mayor Sadiq, Cllr Dombey, and Sutton Council Chief Executive Niall Bolger.

There were over 65 nominees in five categories, which were the Inspiring Through Performance Award, the Physical Achievement Award, the Community Achievement Award, the Personal Achievement Award, and the Overall Outstanding Achievement Award.

The winners were:

Inspiring Through Performance Award	Emma Crockford
Physical Achievement Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s NEET team
Community Achievement Award	Rahma Salia
Personal Achievement Award	Jay Smith & Lucy May
Overall Outstanding Achievement Award	Rhianna Birchmore & Sonny Essern-Winson

Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said:

“The evening was fantastic – I was so proud to see young people who have overcome some huge challenges prove just how talented, creative and courageous they can be.

“We have some exceptional young people in Sutton and it is right that we take the time to recognise them.”

The award ceremony attendees were entertained by a variety of excellent song and dance performances from talented local young people. Just a few of the many highlights included Carshalton School for Girls students performing a lively dance routine and Helen Wieland singing a composition of her own writing.

Ethan Smith, Youth Parliament Member for Sutton, said:

“Youth in Sutton deserve to have their voices heard. During my time as Youth Parliament member for Sutton I’ve had the chance to meet so many young people and tried to help them make their voices heard.

“I really hope to see the Sutton Youth Parliament keep up the good work when my time comes to end and continue being a strong and effective advocate for young people in the area.”

One of the success stories from the Sutton Youth Service is that of Connor Colvin, who received special recognition for the challenges he has overcome.

Connor Colvin said:

“Before I got involved with the Sutton Youth Service I found it hard to control my anger and keep my temper in check. I have been involved since 2011. Without the service’s help I don’t think I’d be here now.

“Now I have a partner and a child and I’m finding it a lot easier to deal with life and my situation. My advice to any young people who are finding life hard is to keep your head up and don’t lose confidence – there is help out there for you.”

Connor was present at the ceremony to give a demonstration of one his passions of beatboxing. The crowd applauded loudly – it was a great end to great story made possible by the hard work of the Sutton Youth Service.