January 2, 2025
Cheshire-based Kevin Bradburne was awarded an MBE – Member of the British Empire – in recognition for his services to young people. Kevin has worked for Youth Federation for over 22 years and during that period has delivered programmes and services that have supported thousands of young people across the north west of England. Kevin is a tireless advocate for better services for young people, leading the way by introducing early intervention mental health services, careers and employability programmes, life skills training, encouraging local young people to volunteer as well as supporting other youth groups to thrive.
Kevin also makes a profound contribution to the community beyond his work at Youth Fed through being an active magistrate, Public Governor at a local NHS Trust and commits a huge amount of his time volunteering for other good causes, including for the elderly and disabled.
Kevin said: “It’s a brilliant thing to be put forward for so I’m proud to be recognised for services to young people, however it doesn’t take away the problems that children and young people are facing, especially those living in poverty. Bullying and domestic violence are so common from what I see in my additional role as Youth Fed’s Designated Safeguarding Officer.”
He added “The youth sector is facing a tough time at the moment but I want to thank my colleagues for all their support of our life-changing work, and also thank our delivery partners and other groups within the youth workforce who are fighting to support young people and their families. I hope to see more people come to the aid of today’s young people whether that is through supporting youth groups, volunteering or donating.”
Youth Fed’s Chair of Trustees Martin Pearson said: “We are immensely proud that Kevin’s hard work and relentless commitment to helping young people has been recognised in this way. It is testimony to Kevin’s modesty and down-to-earth nature that when he learned of this accolade he quickly praised his colleagues and always takes the opportunity to highlight the issues being faced by young people and the wider youth sector right now.”
Martin added “There is no one more deserving of this honour and we are so fortunate to have Kevin leading the charity’s youth programmes and helping change the lives of local young people for the better.”