The Mayor's Awards - Tamezin Youth Club

Each year the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea recognises local people who have made a difference within their communities. These are residents or people who work in the borough who have been nominated by members of the public for their work and commitment to making life in Kensington and Chelsea even better.

At the presentation evening in March 2010, eight residents received a Mayor’s Award. We spoke to one of them, Miss Frankie Strinati, who received a Mayor’s Award in recognition of her work at Tamezin Club, a youth club for girls aged six to 25 in Chelsea.

How long have you been part of Tamezin?

Almost 14 years; I became part of the team when I was 18 and have been there ever since. I know it’s a long time but I just love working with the girls. It’s fun and really rewarding. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it.

What do you do there?

I get involved in everything. There’s sport, dance and drama and I also act as a mentor in one-to-one sessions. We also do lots of group activities and encourage the girls to volunteer too. It’s mostly about having fun, but some girls struggle with low self esteem or other problems and we’re well equipped to give emotional support too. We encourage them to stretch themselves and take a risk; seeing someone go from having almost no confidence to performing in front of 100 people is really inspiring. I learn a lot from them, too.

So it’s a real community spirit?

Of course! I’ve been there so long that I’m now working with the children of people I worked with years ago. I stay in touch with many of them, so for me Tamezin is a bit like an extended family. I get to reminisce with so many people about the experience of growing up in London. I’m told I have a youthful spirit so I guess people feel like I’m doing a good job.

How do you feel about your award?

I was so surprised when I found out, but when I read what people had said in my nomination I was very moved. As I said, I do this because I love it, but to realise that I have made such a difference is really special. Thank you to the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea for organising the event – it was great to find out about the work being done all over the borough.

For more information visit the Tamezin Youth Club website.