Deborah Arikibe, Youth Aspire Connect

Deborah, aged 19, is a passionate youth ambassador and research assistant at Youth Aspire Connect, who has volunteered 520 hours since December 2021. 

She ensures youth involvement in programme development, collaborating with University of Hull researchers to improve mental health interventions. Her volunteer work, highlighted on her resume, contributed to her appointment as a UNICEF Ambassador. Deborah leads an Anti-Racism campaign in Hull, supporting over 25 young people. Their film, “Just Ignore It,” featured on the BBC and won the Into Film Award, acting as a training resource on racism. 

She participates in NHS and Wellcome Trust projects addressing mental health barriers for young people of colour.

Award Sponsored by Eltherington

With thanks to event partners HEY Smile Foundation, Hull CVS, Making a Difference Locally (MADL), East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council