Former Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) Prince's Trust participant, Amina, has won a national Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Award.

In May, Amina attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to meet His Majesty The King, Founder of The Prince’s Trust, who congratulated the award winners on their achievements.

The ceremony, which was hosted by Ant and Dec, was attended by many celebrity supporters and Ambassadors of the youth charity.

Amina was presented her award by Johannes Radebe and Clara Amfo. Johannes also joined her at the palace.

Radio and TV presenter, Clara Amfo, said: “Through The Prince’s Trust Team programme, Amina found inner strength and courage.

"Despite all her challenges, she is a survivor who inspires others through her volunteering and the work she does in her local community, especially with those who have been trafficked or face asylum issues. Incredible! She is a changemaker in every sense.”

The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards celebrates the successes of people help by The Trust and those who support them.

The ceremony shines a light on the inspirational stories of young people, volunteers and those who support their communities.

It showcases the impact that Prince's Trust has on building confidence and skills needed to get a job, education, training or self-improvement.

Dancer and choreographer, Johannes Radebe, said: "Changemakers are agitators, they take action, they are movers and shakers and always work for the good of others, sometimes quietly but always proactively and collaboratively – Amina is all these things and so much more. Her creativity shines through and offers a community to others. I believe she has so much more to achieve. Amina - you are a shining light!”

Amina is a survivor of human trafficking. Confronting the complexities of the asylum system, she found strength and resilience in the Prince's Trust programmed delivered at MFRS.

She heard about the programme through her coach and the job centre prior to securing her refugee status.

Amina was concerned about joining the programme as at the time she was facing the stress of an ongoing legal case and poor mental health. The thought of taking part in a course with 12 unknown young people was daunting to her.

With the support of her team leaders, Amina soon started enjoying the 12-week programme. Her confidence started to grow and she began sharing her childhood experiences in the UK.

With her newfound confidence, Amina decided her experiences could help others. She started raising awareness of human trafficking, asylum and refugee issues by sharing her story and speaking at local events.

Amina is now co-founder of Migrant Artists’ Mutual Aid (MAMA), which provides family activities, creative opportunities and support for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Liverpool.

As a social subscriber for the NHS – Amina offers MAMA’s services alongside support from doctors – to support refugees. Amina has a passion for photography and art and raises funds through her art to support legal cases and food parcels for stakeholders.

Amina is currently studying a degree in Health and Wellbeing Social Care at University after receiving a scholarship.

On winning the award, Amina said: "Oh my gosh! Thank you. Volunteering is so rewarding. I was helped by many people on my journey, so I will continue give back to others for as long as I can.”