Ticehurst Teen Eliza Named Finalist in Global Youth Awards 2025

A talented young singer from Ticehurst has been named among the 39 finalists for the Global Youth Awards 2025, which celebrate inspiring young changemakers from 15 countries. Eliza, 17, a music performance student at Bexhill College, will perform her original song live at the awards ceremony on Saturday 8 November at CIRCUIT in Kingston, London. REGISTER FREE FOR TICKETS

From Broad Oak to the big stage

Eliza, who previously took singing lessons in Broad Oak with local vocal coach Laura Westcott, says the experience has been life-changing. “I’ve been loving this year and what it brings — it allows me to explore myself through music,” she said. “This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to grow more with every performance, through the highs and the lows.”

Laura Westcott, a classically trained singer and founder of the mental health non-profit Music for Mental Wealth, has taught pupils across East Sussex — including Heathfield, Hailsham, Lewes, and Broad Oak. Laura, who performed with the London Philharmonic Choir and worked for The Times, created her organisation to help musicians gain confidence and emotional balance.

“Eliza was always full of creative energy and intent,” Laura said. “Her songwriting comes from a place of honesty, and she’s learning to trust her own voice — that’s where the magic happens.”

Global Youth Awards and Songwriting Competition Award

Now in its 13th year, the Global Youth Awards honour young people aged 11–25 making positive change across fields such as climate action, mental health, education, and the arts. This year’s forest-themed event introduces a new Songwriting Competition Award, spotlighting music as a tool for unity and social impact.

Tanith Harding, CEO of The Legacy Project, which runs the awards, said: “This year’s finalists have already achieved so much, proving that compassion, creativity, and innovation are the foundations of true leadership.”

For communities across Heathfield and the wider East Sussex area, Eliza’s success is a proud reflection of the musical talent being nurtured locally — proof that even from small villages like Ticehurst and Broad Oak, young voices can reach a global stage.

Laura Westcott, singer, coach and journalist

Laura Westcott is a classically trained singer and journalist who turned her own struggles with stage fright and anxiety into a force for good in the music community. After earning a BA (Hons) in Music and performing with the London Philharmonic Choir for a decade, she redirected her experience toward helping others by founding Music For Mental Wealth in 2017. The non-profit creates safe spaces for artists to share the emotional meaning behind their songs while promoting open dialogue about mental health. A former PR manager and reviewer at The Times, Laura brings her communication expertise and industry connections to empower emerging musicians, often linking them with key figures in the business. Diagnosed with ADHD at 37, she now speaks openly about using its strengths — like creative speed and empathy — to connect people and spark change in how the music industry approaches wellbeing.

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Contact Laura Westcott to find out more about her vocal coaching: Laura-westcott.com and 07709 788865