BYC has signed up as an affiliate charity partner of the Spirit of London Awards (SOLA 2012), an awards ceremony that celebrates exceptional young people for their talent across London and the UK. Here's what our new Chair, Rosina St James, had to say about the partnership:

"The British Youth Council is delighted to be a SOLA 2012 affiliate charity partner. Young people, who are facing a particularly tough time right now with high unemployment and rising student debt, do not receive the recognition they deserve for the contribution they make to society. That's why initiatives like Spirit of London are so important. 

"Each year, we've watched the awards grow from strength to strength, involving and inspiring more and more young people and we can't wait to get involved. We're particularly excited about the opportunity to promote the awards to the many young people in our networks who give up their time with massive enthusiasm to volunteer in their local communities as members of local youth councils, youth parliaments and young mayor schemes."

Watch highlights from last year's awards ceremony:


How to make a nomination:


There are ten categories young people can be nominated for:

  • Community Champions Award (16 to 25 year olds)
  • Young Heroes Award (Mayor's Order of Merit) (5 to 16 years old)
  • Achievement Through Sport Award
  • Achievement Through Music Award
  • Community Business Entrepreneur Award
  • Achievement Through Education Award
  • Achievement Through The Arts Award
  • Achievement Through Media Award
  • Achievement Through Fashion Award
  • National Young Campaigner of The Year Award

The awards are open to young people aged between five and 25 years old living in London, except for the National Young Campaigner of the Year Award which is also open to young people outside London.

Nominations are free and can be made online at the Spirit of London Awards website. The closing date for nominations is Sunday 30th September 2012.