By Hannah Wilson
OLDHAM Youth Council was proud to named runners-up after being nominated for four awards at the British Youth Council’s Youth Voice Star Awards.
These awards celebrate the breadth and diversity of Youth Voice work, celebrating and recognising the workers, change makers, amd organisations that enable it and the projects doing things differently to address local and national issues.
Oldham was delighted to be in the running for four awards at the ceremony at Middlewich Conference Centre in January.
Liam Harris from Moorside was a nominee for the Personal Development Award. He has been on the youth council for three years, helping develop his confidence and conquer his fear of public speaking.
Another council warrior who was nominated for the Young Campaigner’s Award was 12-year-old Ibrahim Yousaf.
The Hathershaw College student has severe asthma but rather than sitting back has raised £3,900 for local charities including Maggie’s, Dr Kershaw’s and Street Angels. He generously donated £300 of his birthday money to his favourite causes.
Oldham’s Children in Care Council’s Total Respect Programme was put forward for the best Youth Led Project. Through the programme, Youth Council members have produced a Passport to Independence guide to help care leavers and provided training to new social workers, council officers and care home workers.
Another nominee for an award was Dr Carolyn Wilkins OBE, Chief Executive and Accountable Officer of NHS Oldham CCG.
She was nominated for her unwavering support to Oldham Youth Council, which has seen her complete a charity abseil down the Civic Centre, as well as being a key note speaker at many events.
She said: “I am enormously proud of our award nominees. I know how hard they work and this recognition illustrates the difference they’re making in Oldham.
“One of our main priorities is putting the voice of our children and young people at the heart of everything we do and acting upon their thoughts and feedback.
“We firmly believe all young people can play an active role in helping shape a better Oldham for the future.
“Being nominated for these awards highlights our commitment to the residents of the future and shows the progress we’re making – not only listening to young people, but delivering and acting on what they want.”
Oldham Youth Council has been in operation since 2006 and has over 70 volunteers who ensure young people have a voice and help plan and shape council services in the area as well as influencing national agendas by linking to regional and national organisations.
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