Award launched to recognise inspirational youngsters (From York Advertiser)

Young Volunteers award launched to recognise inspirational youngsters

7:56am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A NEW award to celebrate inspirational youngsters from around York has been launched by the Volunteering York Partnership.

The Lord Mayor of York Young Volunteers award is an opportunity for volunteers aged between 11 and 25 to be recognised and rewarded for the contribution they make to York’s communities.

Coun David Horton, Lord Mayor of York, said: “I hope as many young people as possible will come forward and enter the award. I am always impressed when young people give their own time and energy to help others without seeking any real reward.

“The Lord Mayor of York Young Volunteer Award is all about giving these individuals the credit they deserve and celebrating the work they do. If there’s a young person you know who has made a difference to people’s lives such as in their local neighbourhood, school or college, youth club, church or community organisation then please encourage them to apply.”

The award is supported by City of York Council and employee-volunteering charity York Cares, who have worked with York’s Youth Council, and colleges, schools and universities throughout the city to design the award that will highlight the skills the volunteers have gained, and the differences they have made to their communities.

Angela Harrison, chair of the Volunteering York Partnership and CEO of York Council for Voluntary Services, said: “We are delighted that this award is being launched.

“It will recognise the hard work and much appreciated contribution that young people are making to their local community. It will also raise the profile of volunteering and hopefully encourage even more young people and adults to start regularly volunteering in York.” Anyone aged between 11 and 25 who has completed at least 25 hours of voluntary work in the last 18 months is eligible to apply, providing they live, work or study in York.

To download an application form, go to yorkcvs.org.uk/content/ mayor-york-award-young-volunteers-award

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 30, and all successful applicants will receive a letter and a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor of York in May.

Applicants judged to have gone the extra mile in volunteering will be invited to an award ceremony hosted by the Lord Mayor on June 27, where they will receive their individual special awards.