A rewarding evening for young people

Published by Peter Bird for New Charter Housing Trust Group in Communities and also in Housing

The ‘Young People’s’ awards evening hosted annually by New Charter Homes was once again a unique event. The evening recognises and rewards the exceptional work carried out in the community by the housing associations neighbourhood youngsters.

Held at New Charter Academy and hosted by Chief Executive of the Manchester United Foundation John Shiels, over 70 young people, aged between 7-19 years old were presented with gift vouchers and certificates in recognition of their sterling work within the community.

Nominations were invited in 4 categories; environmental, sports, performance and community with an ‘outstanding’ award for those young people who excelled in a particular project.

Tony Powell, New Charter’s Director of Neighbourhoods said: “Each year as we present the awards we are overwhelmed at the commitment shown by the youngsters in our neighbourhoods. By empowering our young people to take ownership in their own communities and to become more involved in their neighbourhoods we believe gives them a greater sense of purpose and pride.”

The tasks carried out by the youngsters varied from community projects such as the Tatton Park ‘In Bloom’ entry, gardening, artwork music, neighbourhood clean ups   and fundraising. They also had the opportunity to attend various courses and programmes where they gained valuable skills that could be used in the projects they were involved in.

Of the ‘outstanding’ awards presented on the night a special mention goes to; environmental champion Haydn Wilde and community champion Conor Gibbons.

Haydn has been involved in his neighbourhood Dreamscheme, Muddy Buddies gardening project and was also a part of the Tatton Park silver medal winning team.

He is also the Micklehurst community recycling project champion. 

Conor’s award was for his extensive volunteering in his neighbourhood. He participates in various events and projects which have included being a part of the successful Tatton Park team, working with Dreamscheme and on gardening projects. He is also a youth forum member, a senior mentor in the junior youth group and the Crowswood recycling project community champion.

The evening also saw the winners of the recent ‘Young Starship Enterprise Challenge, a Dragon’s Den-style competition, receive a cheque for £500 to develop their project and £500 for their School. The challenge is part of a wider regional competition run by 14 other housing associations across the North West.

The winners, Copley Academy, will now compete in the regional competition with the Grand Final taking place on 18 April at Old Trafford football stadium.

New Charter Academy’s year 9 students’ media team also received a special award for the fantastic film they produced for the Dragon’s Den competition.

The evening was a great success and a very special one not only for the young people who were being rewarded for their endeavours and achievements but also for their proud parents who attended this very popular annual event.