24/06/2026
🌟 WINNER! Huge congratulations to Naz Islam for being named Wales’ Outstanding Youth Worker 🌟
Not only breaking ground in Policing, but Naz is a true community champion in Newport. He has tirelessly gone above and beyond for young people in Newport. He has literally turned lives around and saved lives! 👏🏽👏🏽
Naz is from the community, for the community and his impact has been a personal dedication before he even joined EYST Wales. A true role model and Youth Worker inspiring others to achieve in Newport!! Well done Naz!!!
‘‘Nazrul Islam has made an outstanding impact to the lives of young people across Newport. Through his work with EYST Wales and Bengal Dragons Foundation, Nazrul has become the ‘go to’ person in times of need, acting as a vital link between young people, parents, schools and other services. His dedication, compassion and cultural understanding is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities by empowering the next generation with skills, confidence, and aspirations’’
As one young person said : “Nazrul didn’t judge me or make me feel bad, he just listened and gave me his time. Every week he would meet me, sometimes through football, sometimes just to talk. Slowly, he helped me realise that I didn’t need gangs to belong and that I could actually do something positive with my life. If it wasn’t for Naz, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
That quote says it all. The mark of a truly exceptional youth worker and mentor is the ability to listen, care, and genuinely believe in young people. You work with your heart, with compassion and sincerity, and the impact you have is impossible to measure.
Being that one person who helps a young person see their potential and a better path can be truly life-changing.
Read more here : https://www.gov.wales/youth-work-excellence-awards/winners-and-finalists/2025-awards/nazrul-islam
Youth Work Wales
Cwvys Cymru Newport City Council
Gwent Police
GAVO - Newport
South Wales Police & Crime Commissioner
