Next generation showing way forward with inspiring efforts

Plymouth YMCA Youth Awards celebrate the city's under- 21's for their outstanding achievements. Here, we look at some of those short-listed...

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ABI is an inspiring young woman whose passion and determination have advanced inclusion and awareness of neurodiversity.

Living with a learning disability and autism, she has embraced her identity, transforming it into strength and advocacy.

Supported by her Learning Support Assistant at City College, Abi delivered neurodiversity awareness presentations to over 200 staff members, plus teams at two job centres and Plymouth Life Centre.

Her authentic message helps others better support neurodivergent individuals.

As a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Youth Ambassador, Abi writes a blog about autism, creates myth-busting videos, and influences the programme's future. She champions reasonable adjustments to improve education, employment, and social access for disabled youth.

Abi shared her insights at Plymouth's Neurodiverse Conference and is set to speak at the Houses of Parliament about improving SEND support nationwide. Her journey from self-advocacy to national influence showcases remarkable courage, leadership, and commitment to true inclusion, making her a trailblazer locally and nationally.

PLYMOUTH YOUNG SAFEGUARDERS - 13-19

THE Young Safeguarders are a dedicated group of young people aged 13-19 ensuring every child and young person in Plymouth is seen, heard, and supported. Meeting fortnightly, they contribute youth perspectives to the Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Over the past year, they've improved services by assessing probation, reviewing substance misuse and early help programmes, and advocating for inclusive SEND services. They interviewed safeguarding leaders and raised funds for care-experienced youth spending Christmas alone.

They also collaborated with the Independent Office for Police Conduct on youth trust and policing, and helped create the 'Tricky Topics' audio resource on sensitive issues for teens.