A community-driven youth organisation in Ashby is "delighted" to have won a major volunteering award.

InspireYouth Collective CIC has won the 2026 Youth Services Development Award in the Youth Volunteer Programme category.

The prize makes a major milestone for the collective as it is its fourth award overall and first national youth recognistion.

The Youth Volunteer Programme (Teen mentors) provides local teenagers with opportunities to develop practical skills, build confidence, take on responsibilities and make a positive contribution to their community.

Following the award, director Emma Armstrong-Heath told Nub News: "Winning our first national award is an incredible moment for InspireYouth Collective. When we started the Hub, our vision was to create somewhere young people felt safe, valued and empowered to be themselves.

"Our Youth Volunteer Programme is about much more than volunteering. It's about giving teenagers opportunities to discover their strengths, develop confidence, learn new skills and realise just how much they have to offer their community.

"I'm incredibly proud of our young volunteers, who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to make the Hub what it is. This award is a recognition of their dedication and the difference they're making right here in Ashby.

"To have our work recognised nationally, especially as a small community organisation, really does mean the world to us."

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

"We're also incredibly grateful to our staff, adult volunteers, supporters and funders who help make everything we do possible."

InspireYouth currently has seven teenage volunteers supporting the Hub alongside its adult volunteer team.

Over the past year, it has supported more than 160 children and young people through our after-school and holiday provision, while continuing to provide free safe spaces, a community fridge, clothing bank and other services for local families.

Find out more on the website here.