Celebrating Youth Volunteer of the Year: Sabria Hoxha

Sabria, an active member of the Children in Care Council and Southend City Youth Council, has been honoured with the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award at the first-ever Southend Volunteer Awards 2024.

The awards ceremony, held last month on 27 June at the Roslin Beach Hotel, celebrated the dedication and hard work of volunteers who have significantly contributed to the Southend-on-Sea community. With nearly 200 nominations, the judging panel had the challenging task of selecting the most deserving candidates.

Among the nominees were 12 exceptional young individuals, put forward by the Southend Youth Voice team. These volunteers have devoted their time and energy to youth forums, advocating for positive changes within the community.

Sabria Hoxha stood out among the nominees for her unwavering commitment to amplifying youth voices and improving services for children in care. Her dedication and passion earned her a place on the shortlist and ultimately the prestigious title of Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Councillor Laurie Burton, cabinet member for children, young people and SEND, said: "Sabria Hoxha is a shining example of how young people can effect meaningful change in their communities. Her dedication and passion are truly inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder of her achievements. Volunteers like Sabria are the backbone of our community, and it is an honour to recognise their contributions.

"The event showed the enthusiasm for volunteer work in Southend-on-Sea, celebrating people of all ages who work hard to make their community better. Sabria's award highlights how important young people are in creating a better future for everyone."

For more information about volunteering in Southend, visit our volunteering page.