Why it matters: The inaugural event created a platform for young voices across Suffolk to address community issues and social change, with participants aged 7-18 tackling topics from inclusion to environmental action.
The competition, held on 11 June, brought together 16 schools and colleges. Following competitive heats across four categories, a panel of six judges selected 10 finalists for the evening session.
The winners
Suffolk Young Speaker of the Year: Amber Williamson-Brown, 14, Claydon High School (Inclusion Award winner in heats). She said: "In a world where anything is possible with a little bit of effort we could stop exclusion on the basis of what people can and can't hear."
Overall runner-up & Best Speaker in the Environment category: Yuva Deepu, 9, Cliff Lane Primary. She said: "I want a world where children do not hear bombs but stories from books."
Winner of the Social Action Award & Best Speaker in the Mental Health category: Freya Ollason, 18, Suffolk New College. She said: "I believe mental healthcare should be proactive and not reactive."
Best Speaker in the 15-18 age range: Anna Williams, 17, Abbeygate Sixth Form (Media and Technology). She said: "Humanity - especially young people - is capable of great things - critical thinking is in our power."
Best Speaker in the 7-10 age range: Ethan Jonny, 8, Bungay Primary (Environment)
Best Speaker in the Media and Technology category: Angelyn Anna Jonny, 12, Bungay High School (Online misinformation). She said: "Because the future isn't about the world we see online. It is the world we build together."
Best Speaker in the 11-14 age range: Toby Penrice, 12, Claydon High School (Rugby)
Best Speaker in the Hobbies and Passions category: Lana Sparkes, 14, Claydon High School (Running for charity). She said: "Runs like these can save lives."
Highly Commended Speaker in the Heats: Mohib Ahmed, 14, King Edward IV School (Environment). He said: "It's time to recognise that saving the ocean and our planet means saving ourselves. The question is, are we willing to act before it's too late?"
Runner Up in the Heats: Arabi Ahmed, 16, Suffolk New College (Tackling environmental issues in the UK and Sudan). He said: "When I first arrived in England I was amazed at how often people put rubbish in the bins for recycling!"
What they're saying: The event was created and organised by ASSET Alumni, young leaders from ASSET Education Trust. Neve Glasson, an ASSET Alumni member, said: "We decided to create the young speaker of the year award so that young people can express their feelings about what they want to see in their community, and changes that they think would positively impact their lives and their community's wellbeing."
Jacqueline Bircham, Deputy CEO at ASSET Education, added: "The judges had an incredibly tough job today - not only was the standard of speaking so good, but the themes and calls to action from these young people were so powerful."
What's next: The competition will return in March 2026, with entry details available on the ASSET Suffolk Young Speaker website.
The bottom line: Suffolk's inaugural youth speaking competition demonstrated the power of young voices to address serious social issues, from inclusion and mental health to environmental challenges, whilst building confidence and community engagement.
