The Lordshill Youth Project (LYP) has celebrated its 25th anniversary on June 10.

The event, held at the LYP's hub, commemorated those who supported the project since its inception in 1999, and featured community members, volunteers, and distinguished guests, including Councillor David Shields, the Lord Mayor of Southampton.

Founding trustees Ian Stickland, Rev. Shirley Smith, and Paul Boulton were recognised for their efforts, along with Darryl Saxton, a 25-year stalwart of the project.

Current trustees now include Beth Bray and Caroline Stickland, while Jack Deyes was praised for his five-year involvement in the project's social media.

Ian spoke of the project's evolution, its enduring principles and its financial impact, having invested over £750,000 into the local youth.

Ian said: "You may have noticed in your invitation that we are going to share details of something that is new, very special and means much to LYP. For context, around 10 years ago, I was asked by my previous company - to be externally qualified as a Workplace and Employment Mediator.

"I qualified with a company called Globis, it was here that I first met Clive Lewis. Clive was the CEO of Globis. I quickly came to understand that Clive was no ordinary CEO, he was no ordinary man, he was an incredible influence over many people in his field of work and beyond.

"This relationship and Clive's influence and writing 17 books, paid it forward in many high-conflict situations over subsequent years."

Clive's family attended the event, confirming the legacy of Bridge Builders would continue with LYP to establish an award program for the city's young people.

Cllr Shields acknowledged the work of LYP and Youth Options in his reflections.

Notable moments included a reunion of founding trustees reminiscing about the original £30,000 donation from Sainsbury’s, which launched the project.

The contributions of numerous volunteers and partners, including Southampton City Council and a video demonstrating the voices of city's young people also caught attention.

The event ended on a hopeful note for the project's future, with a toast, cake cutting and a BBQ involving young people and the Youth Options team.