Awards celebrate young community heroes
Young people from across Warwickshire have been recognised for making a ‘positive contribution to the community’ during a special ceremony.
The third annual Warwickshire Crimebeat High Sheriff Young People Awards took place at Hatton Country World near Warwick last Friday (19 June) in front of over one hundred and fifty invited guests.
The awards, hosted by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Lady Kilmaine, celebrated the success of four projects that are helping young people stay safe whilst inspiring those around them to make change.
Amongst the winners were Leamington-based ‘conscious rap’ group ‘Streetz R Watching’ (Whitnas POD); the Stop Knife Crime project from Rugby (Brownsover and Benn PODS); an anti-bullying DVD created by students at King Edwards VI School in Nuneaton; and the Good Days 2 project, delivered by Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme.
Each project tackles issues such as bullying, drugs, graffiti or anti-social behaviour and aims to improve the life of young people, making a positive impact on their local communities.
Crimebeat is funded by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire and is supported by the private sector. It is managed by Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme and aims to reduce crime, the fear of crime and to create safer communities. This initiative enables and empowers young people to make a difference and also encourages them to fell part of their community.
Michael Maguire, Head of the Positive about Young People programme, said: “The awards were a complete success, providing a chance for young people to show off their talents and highlight the hard work that has gone in to them.
“We must also mention that those featured during the ceremony are just a selection of the successful projects funded by Warwickshire Crimebeat, and should commend everyone involved in the programme across the county.”
The High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Lady Kilmaine, said: “Warwickshire Crimebeat gives young people an opportunity to make a real difference to their lives and those of the community.
“The performances at the ceremony were fantastic and a real credit to everyone involved, and I commend the groups for their efforts.”
Warwickshire Crimebeat is continually looking for groups of young people to apply for funding. For more information contact Mark Bolton, Operations Development Manager, on 02476 754174 or email markbolton@warwickshire.gov.uk.