NOMINATIONS are being sought for an awards scheme which recognises young unsung heroes in the district.
YOUNG people from Down Youth Council, Newry and Mourne Youth Council and Education Authority Youth Service controlled groups attended the launch of the fifth annual Youth and Future Talent Awards for the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area in January.
The YAFTAs aim to highlight those young people, who do not normally receive recognition, for the contribution they make to their families, youth groups, schools and wider community.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council works in partnership with the two Youth Council groups to help ensure the awards are promoted widely across the council area to help identify the area’s most inspiring young people.
Council chairwoman Roisin Mulgrew said the council was once again delighted to support the awards.
“These awards are an excellent platform to acknowledge and reward the talent and achievements of our area’s most inspirational young people,” she said.
“I would encourage people to nominate a young person or group of young people that you know who have gone above and beyond in contributing to their families and communities, giving them the well-deserved recognition for their hard work and effort.”
There are awards in the following categories: Good Relations Voice of Young People; Innovation and Creativity; Community Safety; Young Carer; Inspirational Young Person and the new Inclusion award, sponsored by Phoenix Energy.
Caroline Karayiannis, Senior Youth Officer with the Education Authority, congratulated the two Youth Councils on their collaborative efforts in planning and organising the awards.
She said: “The YAFTA Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and reward the selfless and creative efforts of young people as they better the lives of the people around them and promote a very positive awareness around young people’s contribution in the local community.
“The commitment of both of the Youth Council groups to work collaboratively to facilitate the YAFTA event has been tremendous.
“The young people from Down Youth Council are also delighted to be hosting the Awards within their own local area this year and look forward to rewarding the talent and achievements of the area’s most inspirational young people.”
The awards ceremony is being possible by the generous support of local businesses, and statutory and community organisations.
Nomination forms are now available from the Ballymote Youth Wing, Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre, 96 Glebetown Drive, Downpatrick, BT30 6PX, or by contacting Down Youth Office on 028 9056 6865.
The closing date for completed nomination forms is Friday, February 23, at 5pm.