Ten awards recognising the achievements of young people in Ealing – and the organisations that support them – were presented at a packed ceremony at the Grade II listed ECC, the former Odeon cinema on Northfields Avenue.
Now in their fourth year, the Young Ealing Foundation Awards celebrated the borough’s next generation of activists, volunteers and entrepreneurs, along with the people and organisations that support them.
| Award | Winner |
| Young Volunteer of the Year | Cameron Baillie |
| Partnership of the Year | Pride of England |
| Young Activist of the Year | Lauryn Rose Teixeira |
| Spaces for Young People | Hayashen Youth Club |
| Young Entrepreneur of the Year | Dr Haris Kiani |
| Fighting Inequality | Mahaba Cafe |
| Young Leader of the Year | Leticia Elena Netto |
| Big Impact | Letting Grow |
| Outstanding Youth Professional | Bridget James-Agbo |
| Overcoming Adversity | Bethany Luke-Isaac |
The proceedings were compared by Elly Heaton, CEO of Young Ealing Foundation along with Foundation trustee Emily Bunder.
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason opened the ceremony, praising the “incredible collection of talent” across the borough. He said the awards reflected Ealing’s ambition for “every young person from Southall to Chiswick and from Greenford to Northolt, every part of our borough, has the best start in life, and that means that they should be able to grow up knowing that there is a community that respects them, that is behind them, and that loves them.
He added: “And whether today you are an entrepreneur, whether you are an artist, whether you are a sports person, whether you’re a campaigner, that you should be able to absolutely reach the potential and the goals that you set yourself in life to be able to lead a happy and healthy future.
Joining in the celebrations by presenting awards were local dignitaries and members of the Ealing Young Champions.
They included Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Ealing Richard Kornicki, Ealing Southall MP Deirdre Costigan, London Assembly member Bassam Mahfouz, Councillor Josh Blacker, Freshwater Foundation founder Mark Robbins, Kirby Group project manager Niall O’Regan, Let’s Leap Sports Academy co-founder Reece Elbourn, Mulalley assistant social value manager Amber Perrier and OPDC senior engagement officer Claire Callow.
Giving out the Young Activist award, MP for Ealing Southall Deirdre Costigan said: “Ealing has a rich history of campaigning activism and championing the rights of others, standing proudly for what we believe in, unafraid to speak truth to power and in my constituency of Ealing Southall, whether it’s activism at work through the trade union movement or activism on the streets through the anti racism movement, this activism has long shaped our area.”
London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, Bassam Mahfouz gave out the Fighting Inequality award. He said: “When I was growing up in Northolt I grew up with inequality, with injustice, and when I saw it, I felt I knew I needed to do something about it, and that’s what got me into politics. And when you see injustice, when you see inequality, I want to say to you, don’t just see it, stand up and take action.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, Foundation CEO Elly Heaton, 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.”
Ms Heaton added: “From young activists and entrepreneurs to volunteers and mentors, this is a celebration of the next generation’s passion, talent and determination.”
