YMCA Fairthorne Group – which supports children and families across Andover, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – has been recognised on the national stage at this year’s Youth Matters Awards, a major annual celebration involving more than 110 YMCAs across England and Wales.
The spotlight fell on Trevor Fitzpatrick, a long-standing staff member whose work in early years support has made a profound difference to local families. Trevor received national recognition for over two decades of service, much of it spent helping young children navigate difficult emotional circumstances, including those affected by parental deployment in Armed Forces families.
One of his most impactful approaches has become known simply as “The Dragon Story.”
Using a small toy dragon to bridge the emotional gap between a child and his deployed father, Trevor created a daily ritual where the child would visit nursery to “hear” where the dragon had flown on the ship that day.
What began as a moment of comfort has since evolved into a model now shared across YMCA settings and Armed Forces support networks.
Ross Owen, Head of Sales and Marketing at YMCA Fairthorne Group, said:
“Trevor represents everything our YMCA stands for. His compassion and creativity have supported hundreds of local families over the years. Someone so committed to our Hampshire and Isle of Wight communities being recognised nationally is incredibly special.”
YMCA Fairthorne Group also received acknowledgment for its wider early years work, particularly through its Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) project, which promotes high-quality, accessible childcare for local families.
Ross added:
“We are your local YMCA. Our work is rooted in our communities, and to see it acknowledged alongside the very best across England and Wales is something our whole region can be proud of.”
With a dedicated nursery and community space on Dairy Road, YMCA Fairthorne Group plays an active role in supporting children and families in Andover, making the national recognition even more meaningful for our local community.