9 September 2026 | Essex, UK [Craige Young with tedNEWS]
Eleven-year-old Jayden Melius, who attends Balham Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom, received the Young Hero Award at the BBC Essex Make a Difference Awards on Sunday, 6 September. The award recognised his commitment to serving people in his community, particularly residents of a care home in Buckhurst Hill.
Melius volunteers at Queens Court Care Home, where he has visited regularly for the past two years. He talks, plays games and makes art with residents, many of whom live with dementia. A self-taught musician, he also plays the piano and sings during his visits.
According to the care home’s press release, Melius has volunteered regularly since he was nine. He has also read poetry and “joined commemorative occasions, including dressing in period costume for the home’s VE Day celebrations”.
Melius’ service reaches beyond Queens Court Care Home. He picks up litter in his local park and, earlier this year, took part in a swimathon that raised more than £500 for Cancer Research UK. These activities were among the examples of community involvement highlighted by the South England Conference, following his award.
Melius has also been part of United Children and Youth (UCY) since the age of four. Also, at his local Adventist church, he is involved in music and is developing an interest in preaching.
Craige Young, UCY director, said, “I’ve known Jayden since he was four years old, and even then, it was clear he was destined to shine. His impact today is a testament to what happens when young people are nurtured, encouraged, and given space to lead.”
Melius received the award at the ceremony at Chelmsford Theatre. The care home’s press release reports that, speaking about the residents after receiving the award, Melius said, “They’ve always had a place in my heart.”
[Photos: Courtesy of the South England Conference]
The original version of this article was posted on the South England Conference website.
