Young people from Merseyside have celebrated the community heroes who have helped them find new direction in their lives.
The first Plus Dane Young People’s Champion Awards saw volunteers, youth workers and professional teams honoured by the people they have supported.
The gala night was organised by members of the Plus Dane Youth Forum, which is run by Neighbourhood investor Plus Dane Group and backed by Merseyside Youth Development Service.
One member, Sam Gorst, 18, of Liverpool, presented an award to Philip Gray who had mentored him through challenging times in his life.
With the help of the forum, Sam has managed to build up his self esteem and secure a place on a broadcast journalism degree course at Staffordshire University despite having no A levels.
He said: “The best thing about the forum has been the support you get, the compassion that’s there when you are going through bad times, which has helped me move on in my life.”
The Plus Dane outstanding contribution award was won by the team at St John’s Youth and Community Centre, in the Dingle area of Liverpool.
The centre, which has been in operation for 50 years, encourages youths to use their energy in positive ways.
In recent years it has provided youth work provision on Friday and Saturday nights.
“To win was a great honour and proof that people can work together in partnership to strengthen their communities,” said Dave Newman, one of the team.
“We have seen lots of positive results in recent years, for example local youth disorder has reduced dramatically – by around 50% - and it’s all been down to people putting away their personalities working together for the good of the community.”
The Plus Dane Youth Forum offers personal and social development training, volunteering opportunities and fun days out in places like Alton Towers as well as the opportunity to directly influence how Plus Dane delivers its services.
Nineteen young people have recently graduated from the forum after an 18 month programme. A new group is being formed in Merseyside and a forum recently opened in Cheshire.
Ken Perry, chief executive of Plus Dane said: “Young people get such a bad press, it is wonderful to celebrate the outstanding contribution they make to our society and our organisation.
“We aim to provide services that young people need and want rather than what we think they want.”
On the night the audience were treated to dancing displays and performances by up and coming singers Ashley Keel and Heather.
More than 60 people or teams were nominated for the awards, which took place at Liverpool’s Novas Centre.
With the support of Merseyside Youth Development Service, Plus Dane are working towards the National Youth Agencies Hear by Right Gold Standard.
Plus Dane, a housing association responsible for more than 15,000 homes in Merseyside and Cheshire, is committed to ensuring young people’s involvement is properly resourced and that young people have the same opportunities, to engage and participate in the development of services, as older residents.
The full list of winners:
Rebecca Moughtin – Plus Dane young person of the year
Darren Jones – Plus Dane community champion
Income management – Plus Dane department
Philip Gray – Plus Dane young persons champion
Central youth club – Plus Dane youth and community project
St John’s Youth and Community Centre – Plus Dane outstanding achievement
Tenantspin/FACT – Plus Dane delivery partner
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