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The eighth Youth & Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) were launched this week in Downpatrick. Created by Newry & Mourne Youth Council in 2012 the awards have grown over the years to include the entire district.
The aim of the awards is 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.
Speaking at the launch of the awards Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said “As Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, I am delighted to support the YAFTAs which have been developed and delivered by the Education Authority Youth Service with the assistance of the Community Planning Partnership. These important awards highlight the outstanding achievements of young people within our District and it is more important that ever that we celebrate the dedication of our young people who contribute daily to safer, stronger local communities.”
Nicholas McCrickard Chairperson of the Newry, Mourne and Down Community Planning Partnership added “Newry, Mourne and Down Community Planning Partnership are pleased to support the District’s Youth Council in the delivery of these awards. Young people play an important role across our District and it is important to celebrate their contribution to achieving our vision to make Newry Mourne and Down a place with strong, safe and vibrant communities.”
Speaking also at the launch event Donna Weir, Senior Youth Officer, Education Authority, said “The Priorities for Youth document identifies participation as a key action and this project is an excellent example of this. Participation in youth work means that it is youth led, when programmes are completely run by and for young people at every level. We are grateful for the financial support from the Community Planning Partnership in the Newry Mourne & Down District Council to enable this event to take place.
These awards are a fantastic way for Council and the Education Authority to celebrate the positive contribution young people make to their friends, their schools, their youth clubs, their families and their communities. I am delighted to support the launch of this event for the eighth year and I wish all involved well in their deliberations.”
The Youth Council of Newry, Mourne & Down are supported by the Education Authority Youth Service and the awards are supported by Newry, Mourne & Down District Council.
The Award Categories
Good Relations Award: Is for an Individual or Group
Criteria: A person/group who has developed or been involved in a project or event that has improved relationships bringing people together from different community backgrounds and/or ethnic minorities.
A person /group who has been proactive in creating an inclusive community which promotes community membership which is respectful and inclusive of people with different political opinions, religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds.
Mental Health & Wellbeing: Is for an Individual or Group
Criteria: The person or group who advocates on behalf of others to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues in young people.
The person or group who promotes positive mental health and wellbeing among young people and challenges the stigma around poor mental health.
Voice of Young People Award: Is for an Individual or Group
Criteria: A person/group that demonstrates strong leadership among peers, and has an enthusiastic and positive attitude. This person or group of people should be resourceful and able to take initiative.
A person/group that has been the voice of a community/individual concerning a particular subject/needs and issues.
Community Safety Award: Is for an Individual or Group
Criteria: The person or group who have developed or been involved in a community safety project for their community.
The person or group who has identified and taken action on a particular safety issue in their community.
The person or group who have created a safety project that significantly benefitted their local community.
Inspirational Young Person Award: Is for an Individual
A person who has made a big impact on their community or on an individual.
This person should be someone who peers can look up to and admire, who takes on a
leadership role and encourages others to get involved as well.
This person should have gone significantly beyond the normal expected involvement.
Inclusion Award: Is for an Individual or Group
Criteria: A person/group who promoted the inclusion and participation of young people at risk of social exclusion, marginalisation or isolation due to their gender, sexual orientation or disability.
A person/group who championed an inclusion project/programme that helped to raise awareness of inclusion.
Environmental Award: is for an Individual or Group
Criteria: The person or group who has developed or been involved in an environmental project that instilled civic pride and tackled an environmental issue within their local community.
The person or group who has demonstrated a real enthusiasm and leadership in instilling civic pride and tackling environmental issues in their local community.
Social Enterprise/Action is for an Individual or Group
Criteria: The person or group who has a clear social or environmental mission and invests at least half their profits towards their social purpose.
The person or group who has been involved in a project that incorporates volunteering, fundraising, campaigning or supporting others.
To Nominate
Nomination forms are now available from the Education Authority offices at Newry Youth Resource Centre Carnbane Road Newry BT15 6QA or Ballymote Youth Wing, Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre, 96 Glebetown Drive, Downpatrick, BT30 6PX
Nomination forms are also available from Newry, Mourne & Down District Council offices at Newry Office, Monaghan Row, Newry, BT35 8DJ or Downpatrick Office, Downshire Civic Centre, Ardglass Road, BT30 6GQ
Nominations can also be made online by visiting www.surveymonkey.com
The deadline for nominations is Tuesday 5th March at 5.00pm with shortlisted nominees being invited to attend an awards ceremony in the Canal Court Hotel on Thursday 28th March 2024.
These awards could not have been possible without support and funding from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Community Planning Partnership, Education Authority Youth Service and EA Flare Team.
For further information contact Rosie Carey, Senior Youth Worker, Education Authority by telephoning 028 302 51515 or by email on rosie.carey@eani.org.uk.
