Rotary Young Citizens Award 2024 winner Eva Hambley

Eva Hambley, a 17-year old from Redcar, North Yorkshire, has received a Rotary Young Citizen Award 2024, for her campaign to combat the stigma surrounding sexual assault.

The award recognises Eva’s dedication to advocating for safe spaces where sexual assault survivors can share their stories without judgment or blame, and dismantling the silence and stigma surrounding it. Through her work, she has highlighted the limitations of current support systems for sexual assault survivors, and the need for access to mental health services and comprehensive care.

Eva has been an inspirational founding member of the PCC Youth Advisory Group, an organisation managed by the Junction Foundation, which gives young people the opportunity to influence how their area is policed.

Drawing on her own experience, Eva has collaborated with organisations including Barnardo's and the PCC to create educational videos based on her story. These were designed to educate professionals and equip them with the knowledge to better support victims, as well as educating victims on the types of support available.

Watch Eva talk about her achievement and award here

A representative from the Police Crime Commissioner’s Office said: "The bravery that Eva has shown in creating this film is a monumental testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the power of speaking up and the courage in sharing her story to inspire others to speak up. This film captures the raw emotions before and after seeking support, illuminating a path for countless young people to follow." 

Eva was nominated for the award by the Rotary Club of Redcar. Rotarian Phil Dolphin said: “By courageously sharing her story and advocating for survivors of sexual assault, Eva has broken down barriers of stigma, empowered survivors to seek support, and opened up important conversations about the need for systemic change. Her strength is inspirational, and has no doubt made a profound difference for others with similar experiences.”

Eva received her award on Saturday 20th April from two former winners, Bella Field and Katriona Goodsell, at the Rotary Young Citizen Awards ceremony in Alcester, Warwickshire, home of Rotary GB&I.

Eva was chosen as a 2024 winner alongside eight other young people. Now in its 17^th Anniversary year, the Rotary Young Citizen Awards was launched in 2007 to celebrate the amazing achievements of inspirational young people across Great Britain and Ireland, many of whom have assumed important responsibilities at a very young age.  Nominations are put forward by Rotary clubs. 

Find out more about the inspirational Rotary Young Citizen Award Winners 2024 at www.rotarygbi.org.