NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR SIXTH TENDRING YOUTH AWARDS

Posted on the 15th February 2022

NOMINATIONS have opened for the sixth Tendring Youth Awards, taking place in 2022.

The awards celebrate achievements by inspiring young people who live, study or work in Tendring, across a wide range of categories; as well as adults who support them. After two years of disruption due to Covid-19 the organising committee hopes to return to a July gala awards ceremony, and nominations are open now to give people plenty of time to put forward youngsters.

The committee is delighted to have Harwich Haven Authority back as headline sponsors of the awards for a third year, with the Tendring Youth Awards also supported by Tendring District Council and Essex County Council. Other sponsors so far include the Princes Theatre and Nova Training.

Groups of young people, such as youth organisations, can also be nominated; while the various categories recognise academic achievement, inspirational caring, work in the community and efforts to help the environment, among others.

A panel of judges assess the nominations after the deadline of Sunday, 24 April, and compile a shortlist of finalists, who will be invited to a glitzy presentation evening at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Tuesday, 5 July.

Karen O’Connor, Chairwoman of the Tendring Youth Awards, said that even six years in she was touched each year by the stories of young people put forward.

“Each and every year there are so many inspirational achievements by young people in Tendring,” Karen said. “So many young people are doing so many amazing things – as well as adults who support them – and these awards aim to celebrate those people; as well as youth in general. But, as always, we can only do that with your help – the judges can only assess people who are nominated. So please think about young people you know or work with, and put them forward – there’s no limit to the number of nominations you can make.”

To nominate someone for a Tendring Youth Award, complete an online nomination form at https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/tendring-youth-awards or request a form and submit it via [email protected] – alternatively you can fill it out and return it by post to Tendring Youth Awards (Nominations), Town Hall, Clacton, CO15 1SE.

THE AWARDS

Volunteer (Young Person aged 11-21) – Sponsored by TBC

This award recognises the volunteering efforts of young people as an individual or as part of a group.

Arts (Young Person/group aged 11-21) – Sponsored by the Princes Theatre

This award showcases the creative potential of a young person or group in any respect of the arts, including Creative (i.e. drawing or writing), Expressive (i.e. dancing or theatre) or Applied (i.e. product design or textiles).

Community Improvement (Young Person aged 8-21) – Sponsored by Harwich Haven Authority

This award celebrates an individual or group who has significantly contributed to their community. It includes a bursary from the sponsor to enable the winners to continue to develop their initiative.

Young Carer (Young Person aged 8-18) – Sponsored by TBC

This award recognises a young person who helps look after a relative or friend who has a condition, such as a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem.

Learning Achievement (Young Person aged 11-21) – Sponsored by Tendring District Council

This award rewards the hard work and perseverance of a young person who has succeeded in their chosen subject or subjects, showing their determination to achieve their learning goals.

Outstanding Achievement (Young Person aged 11-21) – Sponsored by Essex County Council

The Outstanding Achievement category is all about celebrating an individual or group of young people achieving in any discipline or field. Achievements must be significant and exceed the norm.

Personal Achievement (Young Person aged 8-21) – Sponsored by Nova Training

This award is given in recognition that some young people overcome huge difficulties to achieve success. Obstacles might include problems in their family, social, educational, health or work lives.

The Environmental Initiative Award (Young Person/group aged 8-21) – Sponsored TBC

Celebrating those who have significantly contributed to improving or caring for the environment. This award includes a bursary from the sponsors to enable the winners to continue and develop their environmental initiatives into the future.

Unsung Hero (Adult) – Sponsored by Harwich Haven Authority

This award is given in recognition the efforts of an individual (adult) to support young people to achieve their full potential, through volunteering, mentoring, coaching or work.

Committee’s Award

This award is given to one of those shortlisted for an award, in any category, that stands out for special acknowledgement.