Borough's Youth Community Champions Honoured
Young Ealing Foundation announces this year's award winners
This year's winners at the award ceremony. Picture: YEF
September 30, 2025
The Young Ealing Foundation has announced the winners of its 2025 YEF Awards, recognising exceptional contributions from young people and youth-focused organisations across the borough.
Now in its fourth year, the awards highlight achievements in leadership, activism, entrepreneurship, volunteering, and community impact.
This year’s recipients include:
- Overcoming Adversity : Bethany Luke-Isaac, for her advocacy around Special Educational Needs and inclusion.
- Young Activist : Lauryn Rose Teixeira, age 9, recognised as the youngest Afro-Portuguese author to publish a book in the UK.
- Young Entrepreneur : Dr Haris Kiani, founder of a microfinance initiative in Pakistan supporting over 850 women.
- Young Leader : Leticia Elena Netto, for mentoring children with ADHD and autism.
- Young Volunteer : Cameron Baillie, who has helped create over 40,000 sporting opportunities for young people in Ealing.
- Big Impact : Forest Makers, a collaboration between Letting Grow and Ealing Council, which planted 5,000 native trees in one month.
- Fighting Inequality : Muriel Morgan Walckiers, founder of Mahaba café and training hub, which has delivered over 2,300 hours of youth training.
- Outstanding Youth Professional : Bridget James-Ago of Safe Evolve, noted for her work in mental health support.
- Partnership : Pride of England, a multi-organisation collaboration including Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, the FA, and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.
- Space for Young People : Hayashen Youth Club, offering culturally responsive youth work through the Centre for Armenian Information and Advice.
The awards ceremony brought together community groups, business leaders, public figures, and young people for an evening of celebration and recognition.
Elly Heaton, CEO of the Young Ealing Foundation, said, “These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible young people in Ealing who are making a real difference. Whether they’re leading change, fighting for equality, creating opportunities, or showing resilience in the face of adversity, we want to honour their impact. From young activists and entrepreneurs to volunteers and mentors, this is a celebration of the next generation’s passion, talent and determination.”
Among those presenting awards were elected officials and civic leaders.
Deidre Costigan, MP for Ealing Southall, said, “I am proud of the young people and voluntary organisations who were celebrated at tonight’s awards. It is so inspiring to see how they are creating change in our local community and beyond.”
Cllr Peter Mason, Leader of the Council at the London Borough of Ealing, added, “Ealing is proud of its young people and the incredible individuals and organisations that help them to thrive. The YEF Awards are a wonderful celebration and an important reminder that as a community we must continue to nurture our next generation.”
Karen Buck, Chair of the Mayor of London’s Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation and headline sponsor of the awards, said, “It is a huge privilege to honour the organisations working tirelessly to create opportunities and lasting impact in the lives of young people in Ealing. These awards are a powerful reminder that youth organisations are the heart of our community – ensuring that every young person has the chance to thrive.”
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