The awards take place every year during National Youth Work Week and are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of some of the young people who have been supported by SfYP over the previous academic year. The events highlight the positive impact that SfYP Youth Workers and Advisers have in enabling young people to overcome barriers and fulfil their potential.
Award winners from Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere
This year, with the pandemic restrictions having lifted, SfYP was delighted to welcome young people, parents/carers and county councillors to the four awards events held across the county, including the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, Cllr Fiona Thomson, who presented young people with their awards at both the St Albans and Dacorum event, and the Broxbourne, East Herts and Welwyn Hatfield evening. She said:
“I would like to personally congratulate all the young people who have achieved so much through their engagement with Youth Workers and Advisers over the last year. Not only have they overcome personal challenges and developed skills and confidence in themselves, but they have also supported others along the way. After the restrictions of the last two years, it has been fantastic for them to be able to come together and celebrate with their families at these inspiring events.”
Award winners from Broxbourne, East Herts and Welwyn Hatfield
Cllr Paula Hiscocks, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children Young People and Families attended the Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere event and said:
“Congratulations for staging such a wonderful event… and providing such a safe and welcoming environment to allow our young people to shine. It was a privilege for me to give out the awards and also to be part of such a caring and professional team.”
Award winners from St Albans and Dacorum
In addition to the awards recognising individuals’ progress, SfYP gave their first special Group Award to the Broxbourne Youth Council who organised a highly successful Community Question Time event over the summer. The event gave young people in the area the opportunity to speak directly with a panel of professionals about the impact of the pandemic on young people’s wellbeing and mental health.
Feedback from two of the young people who won awards:
“I want to thank the youth workers for changing my life. I’m a completely different person now – I’m vocal, I’m stronger, I’m braver, and it’s because of the support I received in these sessions.”
“As a result of the pandemic I lost confidence and became isolated at home. SfYP gave me the help I needed to believe in myself and start regaining confidence. I am very thankful for their help.”
Feedback from parents included:
“Thank you so much for a wonderful event, your service was literally a lifesaver for my child”
“Lovely environment, fabulous people and welcoming. Thank you so much for inviting us. It was a privilege to attend for my son’s award.”
Award winners from North Herts and Stevenage
Some of the 2022 Young Peoples’ Awards winners
A, aged 15, East Herts
A was nominated for his resilience, overcoming several personal challenges while participating in the NHS Cadets programme with SfYP. His readiness to step out of his comfort zone and try new things has helped him grow in confidence and develop many new skills. He also volunteered at local social action projects which helped him improve his own wellbeing as well as making a difference to others.
E, aged 17, North Herts
E left school following some personal challenges but was still determined to fulfil her dream of working in the science sector. She successfully completed a work placement as part of SfYP’s Hop into Your Future programme, receiving glowing praise and the offer of ongoing work experience from the employer. E now also has a part time job and plans to study for a science degree with the Open University.
L, aged 19, Stevenage
L came to SfYP for support in building his confidence and finding work. Through the work with his Adviser and dedication to developing his skills and confidence, he got a job at a retail superstore. This helped him to further develop his confidence and he decided to go back to college to study Applied Social Sciences with Law, and has now applied to study Politics and International Relations at university.
L, aged 16, Three Rivers
L has made significant developments over the last year, becoming more self-sufficient and aware of her responsibilities. With her new-found confidence she has gained the ambition and drive to achieve improved grades and has been keen to learn new skills and try new things. She is also supportive of other young people, listening to others’ opinions ideas as well as making herself heard.
T, aged 16, Watford
T signed up to the Pathways to Success and Hop into Your Future programmes to gain some experience in the workplace. She is one of the first people in Hertfordshire to complete her placements and has been offered an apprenticeship at a nursery as a result.
K, aged 16, Dacorum
K has made amazing progress this academic year and received two awards. K joined our Pathways to Success programme last year to develop his employability skills. He was supported to explore options, plan a career, create a CV, develop his communication skills and try new things. He engaged well during these sessions and also improved his school attendance. As a result, he has now enrolled at college. He also improved his confidence and met new people by taking part in our summer programme.
Find out how SfYP supports young people here: Support for young people
