Student Bobbie inspires at the British Citizen Youth Awards

From inner-city challenges to the Palace of Westminster – Hackney Hospitality student and medal winner Roberta Crawford returns as a guest speaker to the national awards evening where she was honoured last year and shares her powerful story with the 2025 award recipients.

New City College student Roberta Crawford – known to friends as Bobbie – continues to shine as an inspiration to young people across the country after being invited to speak at this year’s British Citizen Youth Awards (BCyA) presentation at the Palace of Westminster.

Bobbie, 18, who studies Level 2 Hospitality Services at NCC Hackney, was one of the BCyA medal winners last year and returned to this year’s recent ceremony, as a guest speaker. She shared her powerful story of transformation with this year’s award recipients, speaking about how she overcame personal challenges and is now dedicated to helping other young people find positive paths in life.

Her story – featured in the official event booklet – traces a remarkable journey from inner-city struggles to national recognition. Growing up in an environment affected by social challenges, Bobbie faced cycles of violence and exploitation that many young people experience. Determined to change her future, she joined Streets of Growth, a youth charity supporting 15–25-year-olds at risk of harm, exploitation, or poverty.

From inner-city challenges to the Palace of Westminster – New City College Hackney Hospitality student and medal winner Roberta Crawford returns to the national awards evening where she was honoured last year and shares her powerful story as a guest speaker with the 2025 award recipients.

Through the charity, Bobbie, pictured at this year’s awards, second right, became a leading voice in the Young Influencers Project, volunteering to organise events and hosting podcasts that raise awareness of the issues facing vulnerable young people. Her leadership and compassion earned her the British Citizen Youth Award Medal of Honour last year, recognising her courage, resilience and commitment to helping others.

Her success and positive transformation even caught the attention of HRH The Princess of Wales, who praised Bobbie’s work during a royal visit to the Streets of Growth charity.

Dame Mary Perkins, Patron of the British Citizen Awards, described Bobbie as one of the “very special individuals” who “go above and beyond for others with selfless acts of kindness and community spirit.”

Reflecting on her journey, Bobbie said she hopes to continue inspiring others to believe in their potential and never give up, no matter their circumstances.

She said: “It’s about showing other young people that change is possible. No matter where you start from, you can create a new, better path.”