hyh volunteer Ricky Jennings has been awarded Welwyn Hatfield Council’s highest accolade for his selfless work with our education team and iPro project for former service users.
The Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Civic Awards are given to people who live or work in the borough and have shown extraordinary commitment, energy and effort in their particular field.
Ricky, who became homeless as a teenager because of family breakdown, has been volunteering for hyh for six years.
“Volunteering with Herts Young Homeless is helping to build my confidence. I go out to schools and run education sessions, which is something I never thought I would be able to do,” Ricky said.
“I’m also an adviser on the hyh board, so I’m getting to help shape the charity and I help with fundraising events as well.”
While homeless, Ricky spent several months living in a bed and breakfast and a hostel before moving into his own accommodation but even then he still needed hyh’s support to find the essentials such as a bed, a cooker and a fridge before saving up over time for other household items we take for granted like curtains and carpets.
“Ricky’s work with hyh has been inspirational,” said hyh’s Education Team Leader Leonie Maddin, who nominated him for the award.
“We have watched him grow in confidence and professional ability whilst inspiring the next generation of young people and making real change to the homeless community both locally and nationally.
We are very proud of Ricky and all he has achieved.”
Ricky received the award and a cheque for £250 from the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Barbara Fitzsimon.