Our inaugural NatWest Thrive Celebration Event was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of YLC’s NatWest Thrive alumni and to thank the people who made it possible. We welcomed our young people and their guardians to join us for an interactive workshop, a panel discussion, the all-important awards ceremony, and a family-style dinner.
To kick things off Hannah Oyewole, our CEO; Leigh Middleton OBE, CEO of National Youth Agency; and Sean McGovern, Head of Customer & Community Learning at NatWest, delivered welcome speeches highlighting the programme’s journey and success stories.
Later, Tracy Landu, our Project Leader/Youth Support Worker, led a session titled “I Can’t Afford It”, sparking thought-provoking discussions around aspirations and practical financial decisions. Using relatable scenarios and engaging discussions, Tracy encouraged participants to reflect on their feelings about money by writing one word on a sticky note and sharing it within their group. This led to meaningful conversations about financial mindsets and how to make that shift to a growth mindset. For those that hadn’t taken part in the programme, it was a great insight into what they can expect.
Following the session delivery, Chloe Wallace moderated an inspiring panel discussion with Maisha Sumah – international award-winning speaker and mental health advocate, and Marian Adejokun –multi-award winner, youth advocate, author, teacher, and entrepreneur. The speakers shared their personal journeys on how they turned their pain to profit and triumphed over adversity, using ambition to overcome personal challenges.
This was followed by the awards ceremony whereby graduates were presented with their certificates, and a family-style dinner.
We’d like to say a special thank you to Rachel Mallon, Marketing & Communications Manager at NYA; Kate Dawson, Head of Communications at NYA; Jess Bissell, Programme Coordinator (Thrive) at NYA; Imran Choudry, Programme Manager, Leigh Middleton OBE, CEO of National Youth Agency, Sean McGovern, Head of Customer & Community Learning at NatWest, Katie Hale, Steve Friendship, Creative Director at Large Scale Film (thanks also to Lou and Jay – Film Crew), Henry Bloom and team at Leyton Orient Football Club, our host for the evening, Chloe Wallace, our guest speakers, Maisha Sumah and Marian Adejokun, and to the NYA Team for organising filming and booking the space.
What is NatWest Thrive?
NatWest Thrive is a movement for young people designed to encourage a growth mindset and the development of good money habits. It has been designed by specialist youth workers at the NYA in consultation with young people and their youth workers and has already inspired over 1,100 young people.
Young Ladies Club joined the movement in 2024 and have already supported two cohorts of young people through the programme, delivering the following sessions during the programme:
· Money Mindsets, Ambition, Personal Vision, and Money Talks
· Famous Failures
· Success & Employability
· Budgeting
How Do I Get Involved?
If you are interested in joining the next cohort or know any young people that you think would benefit from the programme sign up to our mailing list and keep an eye on our socials for the next update!