Almost 200 people attended a ceremony at Worthing’s Assembly Hall which celebrated the positive contribution young people make to West Sussex life.
As well as presenting a clutch of awards, there was also live music from the cream of young local bands.
The whole event was organised by young people, via the Youth Voice Network, a Youth in Action funded project.
Main winners were:
- Best Campaigner – Emily Fox, Albatross Foundation, Chichester
- Biggest Impact – Thomas Eady, Youth MP for Horsham and Mid Sussex
- Biggest Personal Transformation – Jade Abbott, Petworth Youth Association
- Most Dedicated Volunteer – Tumsil Abbas, Youth Mayor of Crawley
- Group Champion – Harry Williams – Worthing Youth Council
- Top Representative – Kelly Balmer, Deputy Youth MP for Horsham and Mid Sussex
Certificates were presented to recognise an additional 30 young people who have achieved the Asdan Youth Voice Award, and V Inspired Awards for Worthing National Citizenship Service Team.
Overall, the event was a dynamic celebration of the commitment to youth voice and social action, completed by a wide range of youngsters across the county.
Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children Start of Life and Lead Member for Children said: “The Voice of young people in West Sussex is one of the most important things we have. Young people play a crucial role; through elected groups such as Youth Cabinet, Youth Councils and our Children in Care Council. This is our future. We need to listen and if we fail to do so, we do so at our peril. This event shows how key West Sussex partnerships are in supporting young people in having a voice.”
Nadine Smith, Chairperson of Youth Voice Network said: “Being Chair of this amazing network has been such a significant part of my journey away from youth offending. I cannot thank the other young people enough and staff who have supported me. They’ve been there for me along the way.”