Toms Leadership Award

DJTBS – Make Some NOISE!!!

Tom is a remarkable young leader and mentor who has been a part of Our Barn Community since the very beginning. His dedication, creativity, and infectious energy have made him a cornerstone of our community and a role model for so many of the young people who attend our sessions.

Whether he’s helping at Film Club, supporting Youth Club, or bringing the magic to our social events like Barn Fest—where he DJs and lights up the stage—Tom consistently goes above and beyond. His ability to create atmosphere, build connections through music, and keep spirits high is truly special. He has a natural gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel seen, valued, and uplifted.

Tom is a creative force, always coming up with fresh ideas and offering encouragement during challenging times. He leads by example, sharing his active lifestyle and love for walking across London, which has inspired our Runner Beans group to stay motivated and make healthy choices.

A fantastic listener and a genuine support to those who may be struggling, Tom is someone our young adults look up to. He embodies positivity, resilience, and fun. His influence on the youth voice at Our Barn is powerful and lasting. If you have ever seen any great pics snapped at the Our Barn Community projects, Tom likely snapped them. He is a highly talented photographer, and we appreciate the exceptional skills he brings to our projects.

This Leadership Award is long overdue, and we are all so excited to see Tom recognised. He is fun, fantastic, funny, and truly influential—a natural leader and an inspiration to everyone who knows him.

The Jack Petchey Grant has made a meaningful and lasting difference to the lives of young people aged 11–25 at Our Barn Community.

Thanks to the funding, we were able to purchase a high-quality sound system that is now being used across all of the projects, including our Youth Club, Film Club, Barn Fest, music workshops, dance events, and more.

One of the most significant outcomes has been a sense of ownership and pride among the young people. For the first time, they have access to their own professional equipment, which empowers them to plan, lead, and deliver their own events with confidence and creativity. They are not just participants — they are creators, performers, and leaders.

The sound system has also improved the quality of our activities. Whether it’s a group dancing to a favourite track, a young DJ building a playlist, or a film screening where the sound truly brings the story to life, the right equipment has transformed the atmosphere and engagement levels in every session.
Above all, the grant has enabled young people to express themselves, connect with one another, and build essential skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. It’s helped turn up the volume on their voices — both literally and metaphorically.

We are extremely grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation for investing in the potential of our young people and helping to create spaces where they can truly thrive.