Published: Wednesday 5 November 2025
Kensington Town Hall was buzzing with celebration last night for the Young Leaders Awards 2025, with more than 250 young people, youth leaders and stakeholders packing the Great Hall with energy and anticipation.
More than 60 young people were nominated for their achievements and contributions to the borough – but only one person could win in each of the 10 categories.
As guests arrived, the musical styling of the Glissando Youth Steel Band filled the foyer, setting the perfect tone for the night of celebration ahead. Residents sat at tables furnished with snacks and decorations, with beautiful home-made candles provided by local business Essense No. 1.
Then, once the everyone was seated and the Great Hall was full, a high-energy performance from Youth Action Alliance Dance had the whole room cheering as the dancers delivered their captivating moves in perfect sync.
The evening was seamlessly hosted by Tallulah Umuvyeyi from the Kensington and Chelsea Youth Council, and Elias Chaffin from Young K&C’s Youth Ambassadors. One by one, special guests came on stage to announce the nominees for each category, and of course, the long awaited winners and recipients of the Young Leaders Awards trophy and certificate. Winners also received a gift bag from one of the event's sponsors, Essense No.1.
Young Leaders Awards 2025 Categories and Winners
- Creative Achievement Award - Lauryn Rose Cabral Teixeira
- Sports Excellence Award - Mumtaz Hassan
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion - Richard Van Der Zwan
- Young Scientist of the Year - Jean-Henry Kouao
- Environmental Champion - Djibril Keita
- Growth and Resilience Award - Ronel Mesfin
- Voice and Leadership Award - Hector Laine
- Volunteer of the Year - Mohamed Alhamumy
- Young Carer of the Year - Awn Rawashdeh
- Group Achievement Award - Base Juniors
Cllr Sarah Addenbrooke, lead member for communities, said: “These awards are all about celebrating our young residents and demonstrating that we are a Council that recognises their achievements. Hearing the stories of each and every nominee, I can’t believe the talent, ability and generosity on display. A huge well done to all the nominees and winners, and a special shout-out to the brilliant Council teams who made tonight happen.”
As the night came to a close, attendees enjoyed a pitch-perfect performance from Oscar Cotton from the Rhythm Studio, whose foundation works directly with local schools in the borough to increase music tuition to those who cannot otherwise access it.
The evening made clear just how much skill there is amongst Kensington and Chelsea’s young people, and how much they already do to make their communities more fair and thriving places to live.
Do you know a young person who wants to get more involved with their community? Let them know about the Kensington and Chelsea Youth Council! Find out more on our website.