HomeYoung People's Awards 2011
The Young People's Awards recognise and reward the contribution young people make to improving community safety in Belfast.
This year's awards were presented to the winners at a ceremony hosted by Pete Snodden in the City Hall on Thursday 3 March 2011.
The awards and winners are listed below.
Community Safety awards
North Belfast gold winner: Young Men and Violence Group
The 10 young men in the Young Men and Violence Group from Ligoniel have contributed to their community by cleaning up an eyesore and creating two artistic murals. Through their actions they've helped to bring their community together and reduce antisocial behaviour.North Belfast silver winner: Fernhill Action Project
With the support of Shankill Alternatives, the young people involved in the Fernhill Action Project have undertaken a substantial renovation project at Fernhill House. They've restored the historic house for the whole community, learned practical skills and greatly reduced the fear of antisocial behaviour in the area.South Belfast gold winner: Patricia Magee
Fifteen-year-old Patricia Magee is very active in LORAG's Youth Project. Four nights a week she helps out at the youth club and has set up programmes for her peers about issues such as drug and alcohol awareness, bullying, health and wellbeing, and personal and social development. Through her enthusiasm and hard work she provides a wonderful example for the whole community and has helped to make her community a safer place.South Belfast silver winner: St John Vianney Youth Club
This group of young people from Lower Ormeau worked with Shankill Church Army to explore areas of sectarianism and community safety through group work, educational visits, and historical and cultural residentials. Through their example they've increased awareness and understanding of other communities within their own community and have provided many opportunities which otherwise wouldn't have been possible.East Belfast gold winner: Ballymac Youth Project
Young People from Ballyman Youth Project have been working with and forming relations with members of Doyle Youth Club. As a result interface problems in the area have reduced greatly.The young people participate in projects up to three nights every week. This has resulted in engagement with older people in various intergenerational projects, a reduction in antisocial behaviour in the area and a general improvement in the lives of the whole community.
East Belfast silver winner: Crosslinks
The Crosslinks group participated in lots of cross-community initiatives both locally and world-wide. They have delivered high profile workshops and informative performances for local communities.West Belfast gold winner: Holy Trinity Young Volunteers
These five young people, aged from 18 – 21 years, volunteer to work late at night every weekend to provide diversionary activities for approximately 80 young people in the Norglen area. Their efforts have reduced incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area and the local business community has been so impressed that they have made a donation to help provide late night transport home for the young people.West Belfast silver winner: Sean Maher
Sean devotes up to 12 hours a week to volunteer with his local youth club. He is a role model for younger people and has attracted more young people, from across the community, to become involved in the club. His efforts have been recognised and admired by parents and children alike.Youth Forum Award
Winner: Building Bridges Forum
These young people from North Belfast meet regularly to tackle interface issues in their community. They work closely with the local Neighbourhood Police Officers to improve community relations and challenge sectarian divisions. In addition they have produced some high profile literature addressing issues such as rioting and racism.They have shown great leadership, initiative and drive which has resulted in turning around the once resistant attitudes of their peers so that they too can now enjoy cross community activities.
Thomas Devlin Award
Winner: Translink Youth Forum
Translink Youth Forum has 30 members ranging in age from 12 to 21 years. They meet every two months to discuss a diverse range of subjects concerning young people and public transport such as bullying and antisocial behaviour on board.They designed and created an identity and logo for their forum and by using this widely they have reassured the public that bad behaviour will not be tolerated. They have also delivered drama workshops in schools. Statistics have shown that incidents of bullying and antisocial behaviour on public transport have reduced and public confidence has grown as a result of the forum.
Youth Justice Agency Outstanding Achievement Award
Winner: Joseph McCall and Sean Rooney
Joseph McCall and Sean Rooney formed a football team as a diversionary activity on a Friday night in the St James' area. They organised fundraising, managed to get football kits from other teams and made some successful funding applications.They worked with the local community and now there are two successful football teams up and running in the area providing at least 22 young men with a real alternative to antisocial behaviour.
Photo gallery
To view this Flickr slideshow (below), you need to have Adobe Flash Player 10 installed on your computer.Press the play button to view photos of this year's Young People's Awards ceremony.
