A CEO is on the New Year's Honours list for helping young people in Somerset.

Karen Deverell, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of her services to young people in Somerset, whilst working at YMCA Mendip and South Somerset as CEO. 

Ms Deverell worked at the YMCA until 2019 and she loved working for “such a wonderful organisation”. 

“I am very proud of my achievements at YMCA but it’s easy to do something well when you have fantastic staff, a wonderful organisation and beneficiaries you care deeply about, for me, vulnerable young people,” she said. 

“I think the key to moving forward and developing services is to invest in forming effective relationships with staff, funders and your service users, a huge amount can be achieved if you all work together.

"We achieved this!”

Staff at YMCA Mendip said it was “no surprise” that Ms Deverell was on the list. 

“She was always an inspiration and it is no surprise to us that she has been recognised in this way for all her hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to working with vulnerable young people,” said a spokesperson for the YMCA.