YCT (Young Concern Trust) held their annual Evening of Celebration ceremony on 3^rd December 2025 to honour their community, their creativity, and the children who are at the heart of everything they do. The ceremony was opened by the Chair of the Board, Julia Miles, and new CEO, Dan Lawrence, who both reflected on YCT’s 37-year journey, how the charity has adapted and what the future holds. Special recognition was given to the charity’s therapists as without them, the charity could not support the many children and young people it does. 

YCT delivers quality therapy and counselling sessions to children and young people aged 5-25 through 1-1 counselling, play therapy, drama therapy, art therapy, self-esteem courses, family therapy, dance therapy, anxiety groups, boys’ groups, creative spaces and many more. The charity recognises there are many more people they could be working with and are always using innovative ways to support children living in this challenging social media climate. 

The ceremony celebrated the fantastic work of the children and young people with the following awards:

• Emotional Courage Award – for trying new ways to release challenging emotional energy from their body.
• Resilience Through Challenge Award – for persevering during a tough time
• Strength Award – for their whole family who ensured they could access the therapy they required
• Steady Steps Award – for trying their best to find the words, share their feelings and trust the therapist
• Creativity & Imagination Award – for using their creative tools to explore their feelings
• Growing Confidence Award – for proudly finding their voice

YCT would like to thank Paul and Jane for allowing them to use The Amazing Place to hold this event, and for everyone who attended the event to celebrate the achievements of the children and young people. Many Congratulations to all those who received an award!

There was one other award presented during the evening to Nigel Varnam to recognise his 26-year dedication to the charity through his role on the Board, particularly as Vice Chair. YCT would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Nigel for his years of support and wish him all the best in the future. YCT are now recruiting Trustees, including a Treasurer position.

If this is something of interest to you, please get in contact with Caitlin Earey, Clerk to the Board: [email protected]