Andover youth charity founder wins top award

The founder of a youth mentoring charity has won the top award at this year's Pride of Andover event.

Siobhan Down founded the Andover-based Yellow Brick Road Projects ten years ago to offer support to young people.

Last night she won the 'inspiring others' award, but was then named the winner of winners picking up the prestigious 'spirit of Andover' award.

Judges said:

"Siobhan was part of a team that set up the Andover-based charity Yellow Brick Road Projects, including You Matter for Young Mums, You Matter and You Matter in School, with a vision to see an end to homelessness and give people the skills and confidence they need to sustain a tenancy. In 2020, the Legacy Project began. Commissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Yellow Brick Road Projects provides mentors for young people who are at risk or who are being criminally exploited. Now in its 10th year, Siobhan has led the charity from strength to strength and supported those at risk of homelessness. A restorative leader, readily welcoming, acknowledging, and appreciating the wisdom and energy of others in developing the organisation. Siobhan always shows someone they matter and how they can grow - really making a difference in people's lives."

Writing in a recent blog Siobhan said:

"Our vision at Yellow Brick Road Projects is to create a world where everyone has equal access to a safe and happy life. Our mission is to work with young people to build confidence and skills and help them fulfil their potential, which we call finding their “seam of gold.”

"YBRP began as an idea on a kitchen table and our first pilot program, “Young Mums Matter,” aimed to reach out to young mothers living in hostels with their babies. These young women had ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and were at significant risk of homelessness due to their lack of life skills and support networks. They were caught in a cycle of deprivation and neglect perpetuated by their traumatic experiences.

"Today, we’re a team of 13 incredible individuals with various backgrounds but a shared commitment to supporting young people through trauma-informed services. Sadly, we often see young people judged, excluded, and isolated for their behaviour, which is often a form of communication. A student may be sent to isolation within moments of entering a classroom, or a detention may be issued for not wearing the right school shoes, despite their family’s financial constraints."

Last night's awards were handed out at the Lights theatre in Andover.

Full list of last night's winners:

Fund Raiser Award - Diana White

Community Champion - Pauline Hoare

Sports Award - Micheal McGarry

Inspiring Others - Siobhan Down

Young Person of the Year - Ollee Lucker

Services Award - Chris Williams

Arts Award - Kim Garner

Heart of Gold - Susan Collins

Sue Sheppard Award (personal courage) - Rebecca Watkins

Mayor of Test Valley Award - Mary Bayfield

Spririt of Andover (winner of winners) - Siobhan Down

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.