The Children & Young People Now Awards are seen as the gold standard and recognise the innovative and impactful work of practitioners and organisations which improve the lives of children, young people and their families.
In 2022, more than 450 entries were submitted for an award across 23 categories. SfYP was shortlisted as a finalist for its work with young LGBT+ people in the ‘Advice and Guidance’ category and was awarded one of only 14 ‘Highly Commended’ certificates at the ceremony. The nomination and certificate recognise the role of youth work in reaching young people and providing them with the information and support they need to make informed decisions and positive life choices.
The advice and guidance provided by SfYP is delivered through weekly projects, which run across all ten districts of Hertfordshire. There is also a countywide LGBT+ Multicultural Project and the LGBT+ youth voice project Who Not What, members of which attended the awards ceremony along with SfYP staff. The projects improve outcomes for more than 1,500 young people across Hertfordshire each year.
In addition, the LGBT+ Schools Project involves SfYP youth workers helping schools create more inclusive environments in their educational settings and improved systems to tackle issues such as bullying.
Young people from the 'Who Not What' LGBT+ youth voice project who attended the awards ceremony along with SfYP staff
A member of the Who Not What project who attended the event said:
“It feels amazing to be recognised for something we are so passionate about and have worked hard on. This award helps shine a light on LGBT+ equality and hopefully draws it to more people’s attention. We appreciate the recognition, especially as young people trying to make a difference.”
A member of the SfYP Youth Work Development Team said:
“Having our work recognised and highly commended on a national stage is a great testament to the hard work of both SfYP colleagues and the young people we work with.”
Find out more about our support for young LGBT+ people here:
Support for young LGBT+ people in Hertfordshire
Young Pride in Herts on Twitter
Young Pride in Herts on Instagram
The LGBT+ support provided by SfYP is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.