Anna Marshall

Anna, 13, decided that the 'Toilet Twinning' initiative was a project that she would support. Over the past year Anna has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of water and sanitation in the developing world in her parish, in her youth group and in her home town.

She began in a small way in the parish, placing a donated toilet in the Church porch asking everyone to throw in spare coins. Other members of the youth group soon became involved and money was raised to provide two villages in the developing world with toilet facilities. Last Christmas the toilet was taken to the local pub and members of the youth group, family and parishioners led a carol singing evening to raise funds.

But Anna’s interest isn’t only about raising money. Anna invited the local MP to visit and gave a presentation on the project and Anna was asked to speak about the project to an invited audience at a coffee morning organised by the leader of the Council. A member of the council will attend a youth group meeting to discuss the possibility of Chesterfield becoming a toilet twinning town.

Anna take the lead in all the activities she undertakes but also works enthusiastically with her youth group members and friends. The young people have formed a close knit group who, with guidance of two youth workers, are appreciated and supported by fellow parishioners.  

What they said: “Anna has the potential to be an outstanding and inspirational young leader of the future” – Anne Peacey, Justice and Peace Network

Reena Joseph

18 and from St Wilfrid's Catholic School, Crawley, Reena is an amazing young person who quite simply makes her community a better place.

Reena arrived at St Wilfrid’s in 2011 from India. With no English, Reena worked hard to grasp the language and access the curriculum. But it was a difficult time. Her academic progress dipped and she felt a growing sense of isolation as she struggled to make friends. Persevering, she finally got great GCSEs.

But Reena turned this experience around. At school she has started a programme for students who don’t speak fluent English to improve their skills, using her own negative experience to create a positive experience for others.

Showing more commitment towards helping those in need, Reena volunteers in St Catherine’s hospice and has raised both awareness and funds for the hospice in school.

Reena prepares the weekly Masses, taking a lead in the ministries of music and reading, and often preparing the bidding prayers herself. She also talks to students about why Mass is so important and encourages them to come along. The popularity of our voluntary Masses (100+) is down to Reena.

The creator and leader of many teams, Reena’s humility means she might not admit it herself and is quite happy for others to take the credit!

What they said: “Reena is an inspirational example how it live out Catholic social teaching” – Claire Franke, School Chaplain

Flavia Sofia Bernardo Matos

Flavia, 19, studies at St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College in Clapham. After noticing the adverse impact Stop & Search had on community relations, Flavia instigated a campaign to raise awareness of young people’s Stop & Search rights.

At the same time, Flavia also began volunteering as a receptionist at her local Portuguese Speakers’ Community Centre. In this role, which she does each and every Monday, Flavia supports those struggling socially and financially by translating correspondence, making appointments and mediating with the authorities on behalf of the clients.

Flavia has spent time getting to know many elderly and vulnerable members of the community. As last Christmas approached, Flavia was concerned that many of them would spend the holiday alone. She decided to organise a Christmas Eve dinner and, making hand-made cards for every guest, she arranged for centre staff to help out and supply the food.

Taking up issues further from Clapham, Flavia got involved in the brilliant For The Love Of campaign on climate. Joining fellow students, she lobbied her MP in Parliament on the topic. In February Flavia took part in a national Model UN conference where she presented a resolution calling for a humane response to the migrant crisis.

Flavia has been a steadfast member of the college Chaplaincy Team, contributing to liturgies, fundraising drives, and fostering her college community. Flavia is a natural leader and – informed by her Catholic faith – understands the significance of collaboration to achieve goals and build better communities.

What they said: “Flavia is driven by a desire to improve the situation of others” - Claire Colleran, College Chaplain