Write a commentYoung people from the Newry and Mourne Youth Council, supported by the EANI Youth Service have officially launched the fourth annual Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) for the Newry, Mourne and Down District area.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council works in partnership with the Youth Council to help ensure the awards reach young people across the district. These awards were created to highlight the ‘unsung heroes’ throughout the district who do not normally receive recognition for the contribution they make to their families, youth groups, schools and in the wider community.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick who attended the launch at Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick said, “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are delighted once again to support the Youth and Future Talent Awards. These awards are an excellent platform to acknowledge and reward the talent and achievements of our Districts most inspirational young people. 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”.
Also speaking at the event, EANI Area Youth Officer Esther Millar, congratulated the Youth Council on their efforts and in particular this creative idea of raising a very positive awareness around young people’s contribution in our community at a time when they are too often portrayed in media as an issue rather a vital resource. “The Awards give local organisations a brilliant opportunity to both recognise and reward the selfless and creative efforts of young people as they better the lives of the people around them.”
The YAFTAs are awarded in six categories: Good Relations; Voice of Young People; Innovation & Creativity; Community Safety; Young Carer; and Inspirational Young Person.
Nomination forms are now available from the Education Authority Youth offices and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with a closing date of Friday 24th February at 5.00pm
The event is supported by The Executive Office through Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Good Relations Action Plan.
For further information and nomination forms contact Paul Bradley, Senior Youth Worker, Education Authority by telephoning 02830251515 or by email on Paul.Bradley@eani.org.uk
