2025 Shortlisted Nominee
Community Organisation Award: Multi-Strand
RISE.365, founded by Joyclen Buffong MBE, is a youth-led Community Interest Company based in Hackney, empowering young people through equity-driven, holistic programmes. Since 2019, Joyclen has created inclusive spaces for under-represented youth, particularly from racially minoritised communities, to lead, thrive, and be heard. From mental health initiatives like Reflect and Rise to the Community Shop tackling food poverty. To date distributing 172,000 bags of food, RISE.365 has transformed lives through practical support, mentorship, and social change. Its #CodeMyCrown campaign, co-led with Dove, advocates for Black hairstyle representation in emoji keyboards across the world, gaining global traction. With over 10,000 families supported and hundreds of youth mentored, RISE.365 continues to break systemic barriers. Joyclen’s leadership has earned her an MBE, a Mayor’s Civic Award, and inclusion in the Evening Standard’s 100 People Shaping London. At RISE.365, inclusion isn’t aspirational; it’s lived, led, and proven in action every day.