Local projects recognised with Youth Voice Star Awards

Local projects have been recognised in the British Youth Council’s Youth Voice Star Awards. The awards celebrate the breadth and diversity of local work happening across the UK to promote young people’s voices.

The celebratory ceremony, which took place in London, was a chance to recognise the youth workers who make it happen, the change makers that champion young people, the organisations that give a platform to youth voice, and projects doing things differently to address local and national issues.

Amanda Chetwynd-Cowieson, Chair, British Youth Council said: “It really is inspiring to see some many people are working hard to promote the voices of young people.

“Young people continue to lobby for change on the issues that matter to them. It’s absolutely imperative we recognise those young people, the organisations behind them and the staff – who often work with limited resources – to make sure young people can influence decision makers regardless.”

The following awards were announced:

Award for Personal Development:

Jessica Griffiths from Kent
Jess Griffiths, is an active member of the Kent Youth County Council (KYCC). When Jess first came to KYCC as a very shy young person, she didn’t speak to anyone, wouldn’t make eye contact and wouldn’t speak out in groups.  Jess is a very different person today, she has really developed her confidence, she now supports new members of KYCC and is a positive role model for new KYCC members.

Celebrating Diversity Award:

BYOU in Wigan
BYOU are an LGBTQ support and Action group, BYOU have actively campaigned for positive change in Wigan’s Borough, The team have developed and successfully implemented 3 successive Pride events which set up in 2016. As well as this huge event for the borough BYOU have developed training which has been delivered to over 50 Teaching staff, elected members and more recently has become an integral part of our Foster Carers training. Now set as a requirement for all foster carers.

Young Campaigner of the Year:

Adam Shaikh from Sandwell
Adam Shaikh is 21 years old and the former Youth Commissioner of Sandwell and Chair of SHAPE Youth Forum. After going through childhood and adolescence with a painful past, Adam joined Youth Parliament and from being a quiet young man grew in confidence and was well respected by his peers. Adam was elected as Youth Commissioner of Sandwell 2 years ago. He grew a strong relationship with the Commissioner and senior officers within West Midlands Police and presented the Youth Summit in 2016.

Youth Led Project Award:

Bright Minds Big Futures in Stockton
In 2017 Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council made a pledge to put young people at the heart of all that we do and work together with children and young people to make the Borough a great place to grow up. In March 2017 a Coordinator was appointed to make this a reality. Without a budget, clear concept and objectives the task began. They worked from the ground up, ensuring that young people were there from the beginning to lead on the direction of travel and fully develop and implement the initiative.

Youth Voice Champion:

Tim Taylor Director of Customer Services at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive
Tim Taylor has worked tirelessly to improve the experience of young people on public transport in South Yorkshire. He was central to the formation of the South Yorkshire Young People’s User Group in which youth representatives from across the region meet several times a year with transport operators and decision makers to raise and challenge issues and policies on transport.

Youth Voice Worker of the Year:

Sarah Bellamy, from Rotherham
Sarah Bellamy has worked with young people for over 15 years, working tirelessly to support children and young people. “Sarah is best thing that I have got from youth voice. She is the most important person in my life after my family and I don’t know how I’m going to live without her in my life. She is superhuman.”

Find out more about the Youth Voice Star Awards