Matt Sewell, a dedicated member of the YMCA Youth Ambassador program, was selected to represent the YMCA at this year’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Saturday.
The Festival of Remembrance serves as an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by service members. As part of the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to fostering leadership and civic engagement in youth, this selection is an important milestone for Matt, and a proud moment for the entire YMCA community.
Matt said, “taking part in The Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall was an incredibly moving and humbling experience. I was honoured to be selected as one of two representatives from YMCA England and Wales, participating as part of the Civilian Muster. It was a privilege to represent YMCA England and Wales as well as YMCA Derbyshire, where I walked alongside other service organisations including the police, fire services, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, and the RNLI, playing our part to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed in times of war.”
Matt also added, “being part of such an important event, alongside my colleague Siana Beard from YMCA Worcestershire, was not only a profound honour, but also an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many, and to witness the incredible work of the Royal British Legion in ensuring that the voices of the fallen continue to be heard by future generations. A huge thank you to the Royal British Legion for providing this platform to honour the fallen and the unsung heroes who continue to make a difference today. It was an experience that will stay with me for a long time, and I feel privileged to have been part of it.”
YMCA’s part in the World Wars
The YMCA’s inclusion in the event was particularly meaningful, given the federation’s role during both world wars. The YMCA provided essential support to both the military and the civilian community, offering services like catering vans to feed returning soldiers and their communities. During World War 1 the YMCA provided free writing paper so that families could stay connected with their loved ones on the front lines. The YMCA lost 42 of its own volunteers during the war, and the event paid tribute, not only to those lives, but also to the 40,000 volunteers who contributed to the war effort. It was a reminder of how vital community support and selflessness is, and how that legacy continues in the YMCA’s work today.
About the Youth Ambassador programme
Youth Ambassadors actively represent the opinions, needs and beliefs of young people. They help shape policies, attend national and international events, and act as spokespeople for youth voices within YMCAs across the country.
Nominated by local YMCAs, Youth Ambassadors are passionate about improving the lives of young people and use their experience and knowledge to be the voice for effective, meaningful change.
About YMCA Derbyshire
YMCA Derbyshire is a charity that has been supporting young people and communities since 1847. As an organisation, we believe in fairness and opportunity, and focus on the following key areas of work: Housing; providing 212 bed spaces each night for individuals at risk of homelessness. Training and Education through YMCA Key College we provide pathways to accredited and non-accredited vocational training, adult education programmes and employment opportunities. Support, Advice, Health and Wellbeing; providing a whole host of community services, youth programmes, mental health support, horticulture opportunities, food provision and access to warm spaces. Family and Youth Work including nurseries, family support, and school-based initiatives. All of which positively impact individuals, fosters resilience and progression toward independence, regardless of past experiences or present circumstances.
For more information contact:
Debs Powell, Head of Marketing and Communications Email: debs.powell@ymcaderbyshire.org.uk
Tel: 07842 422579
