An energetic and compassionate East Anglian Army Cadet received a British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) at the Palace of Westminster last night, Thursday 30 October.
Cdt L/Cpl Poppy Davis of 3 Coy, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force (ACF), is one of the 22 BCyA Roll of Honour Recipients in 2025. Her commandant nominated Cdt L/Cpl Davis for the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of serving and retired police staff through her involvement with the wellbeing-focused Curtis Palmer Program.
TV presenter Tim Vincent hosted the BCyA presentation, now in its ninth year. He said: “The BCyA Honours celebrate compassion, selflessness, grit and determination in the young people who are so deserving of their medal. I’m delighted to be part of this celebration.”
Each selfless young person honoured with the BCyA has made a positive impact on their communities and wider society. They show kindness and commitment to a multitude of causes, raising funds and awareness, and are all dedicated to making a significant difference to others’ lives.
Cdt L/Cpl Davis became involved in the Curtis Palmer Program through her father’s work as a police officer. Showing exceptional dedication, she completed a challenging charity climb to the summit of Pen Y Fan in Wales to raise vital funds, as well as playing an inspirational role in “walk to talk” events that encourage open conversations about mental health among police and other emergency services personnel. Her
The Beds & Herts Army Cadet has also been actively supporting other charities, raising over £450 for the Trussell Trust and collecting 535 long-life food items for local foodbanks. She also showed solidarity with homeless people, taking part in a sleepout at Watford football stadium in a collective effort that raised close to £5,000.
Through volunteering with her local Brownie group, on a weekly programme supporting leaders with activities, Cdt L/Cpl Davis is also determined to nurture the next generation of confident, kind and capable young women. By providing a safe and supportive space for girls to learn new skills and take part in community projects, she contributes hugely to her community.
The British Citizen Youth Award in partnership with Specsavers, is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday young people for exceptional endeavour. Any person aged 18 or under who shows commitment to helping others may be nominated for a BCyA Medal of Honour, but only a small number of exceptional young individuals each year receive it.
Cdt L/Cpl Davis and her fellow award recipients may now use the post-nominals “BCyA” if they choose, as a legacy of their achievements and endeavours. Whether she decides to or not, everyone at Beds and Herts ACF and here at East Anglia RFCA is very proud of her dedication and achievement.
