Nominations extended for fifth Tendring youth awards as ceremony delayed
THE NOMINATION period for the fifth Tendring Youth Awards has been extended to give people more time to put forward young people for celebration.
The awards aim to 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.
Usually held in early July, the Tendring Youth Awards Committee has decided to postpone the awards due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
It is hoped to hold the awards in October, but the situation will remain under review and the ceremony may be pushed back to 2021 if appropriate.
The nomination period is being extended to finish on Sunday, 26 July, and any nominations already made will be carried over to the ceremony – even if it means young people go above the age limit for the category.
Karen O’Connor, Tendring Youth Awards Chairwoman, said she hoped for a bumper set of nominations this year.
“Delaying this year’s awards is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is the right thing to do,” Karen said.
“We hope that extending the deadline will allow even more nominations to come in, as we look to celebrate the amazing young people – and adults who support them – who live, work or study in Tendring.
“Although Coronavirus is understandably a cause for worry and upset, we also know that young people are often leading the way in supporting their communities and shining a light for us all during these difficult times. With that in mind, please consider any young people who are doing such activities for a youth award nomination.
“However, we can only recognise people you tell us about. So I would urge you to think about young people you know or work with, and nominate them – there’s no limit to the number of nominations you can make.”
Harwich Haven Authority is headline sponsor for the awards, which are supported by Tendring District Council and Essex County Council. Other sponsors are Galloper Wind Farm, Tendring Careline, the Princes Theatre and Nova Training, while the awards are also supported by Clacton Pier and the Clacton, Frinton and Walton Gazette and the Harwich and Manningtree Standard.
Youth groups can also be nominated, and categories recognise academic achievement, inspirational caring, work in the community and efforts to help the environment, among others.
A panel of judges will assess the nominations after the new deadline of Sunday, 26 July, and compile a shortlist of finalists, who will be invited to the glitzy presentation evening at Clacton’s Princes Theatre when the awards are rescheduled.
To nominate someone for a Tendring Youth Award, complete an online nomination form at https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/community/young-people/tendring-youth-awards or download a form and submit it to thetendringyouthawards@gmail.com – 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)
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 Tendring Careline
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 by Galloper Wind Farm
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.
8/4/2020
NEWSDESKS
For further information on this press release contact Will Lodge, Tendring Youth Awards’ Press Officer, on 01255 686338.