It was a proud and joyful moment for TOL as its founder, Jane Akadiri, was announced the winner of the Inspirational Leader Award at the 2025 National Youth Work Awards, hosted by YouthLink Scotland on Wednesday, June 11.
On the same night, Touch of Love was also recognised as a finalist in the Community-Based Youth Work category - making it a double celebration for the Aberdeen-based charity.
Jane received the award for her powerful, hands-on leadership and her commitment to helping young voices be heard across Aberdeen. Known for her fairness, deep community connection, and strong vision for change, she has become a driving force for inclusion and empowerment.
Under Jane’s leadership, TOL has supported more than 450 young people, delivered over 40,000 food parcels and 25,000 warm meals, and created programmes that foster pride, belonging, and real-world opportunities. Her work tackles social exclusion with practical, hands-on action - bringing together communities, families, and public services in ways that are inclusive and lasting.
Jane leads with heart, purpose, and integrity. She is a strong advocate for cultural sensitivity within child protection and public service systems. Her work has helped shape more inclusive practices and has given young New Scots the space and support to tell their stories and pursue their goals.
Her recognition as Inspirational Leader at the 2025 National Youth Work Awards reflects a consistent, heart-led approach that is both visionary and rooted in real community needs.
Under her leadership:
- TOL Outreach supports over 450 minority ethnic youth annually through its flagship Young Achievers’ Club, helping young people build confidence, grow leadership skills, and embrace their dual cultural identities.
- The organisation was nationally recognised as a finalist in the 2024 National Youth Work Awards for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, highlighting its inclusive, youth-led model.
- TOL has been nominated for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest UK honour for voluntary groups, equivalent to an MBE.
- The charity runs mum and baby sessions that offer a lifeline to New Scot mothers, supporting early years development and providing peer-led mental health care.
- Across Aberdeen, TOL has supported over 4,000 ethnic minority households - an estimated 15,000 individuals - with services focused on integration, trauma recovery, and emotional wellbeing.
Through partnerships with Youth Scotland, YouthLink Scotland, ACVO-TSI, and local schools, Jane continues to build bridges where systems often fall short - creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people are not only supported but truly seen and heard.
TOL’s Young Achievers’ Club, now a core part of its work, blends sports, creative arts, cultural workshops, and education support. The programme helps young people feel valued, engaged, and empowered to grow into confident, capable individuals.
For many, TOL is more than just a club - it’s the first place they’ve ever felt heard.
Jane’s work has also been recognised by local and national bodies, and featured on STV News, underscoring her continued impact on youth development, inclusion, and community transformation at the grassroots level.
Jane Akadiri, Founder of TOL, said: “This award is incredibly special, not just for me, but for every young person who walks through our doors. Watching them grow - developing leadership skills, building resilience, gaining confidence, is what keeps me going. This win is a reminder that even small acts of love and consistency can lead to lasting impact.”
Augustina Ezea, Youth Services Manager at TOL, added: “Being named a finalist in the Community-Based Youth Work category is such an honour. It reassures us that we’re on the right track and making a real difference. It’s a proud moment for the whole team, and more importantly, for the young people we support every day.”
TOL extends heartfelt thanks to YouthLink Scotland for the recognition, and warm congratulations to all the winners across every category.
And to everyone working hard to ensure that young people’s voices are felt, seen, and heard - keep going, keep believing, and keep making impact.
For further information about Touch of Love Outreach, please contact: support@touchoflove.org.uk
www.touchoflove.org.uk