Posted on 16th Nov
Seven inspirational Nottinghamshire young people who have overcome severe health challenges or go the extra mile for others will be recognised at a prestigious youth awards.
They have been named as the district winners of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Award for 2023 and will be honoured at the annual final at County Hall on Friday 24 November – where an overall winner will be announced.
The 4Uth Awards are a County Council initiative to celebrate the achievements of young people across the county.
Coun Tracey Taylor, cabinet member for Children and Families, and council chairman, Coun John Ogle, will join around 100 guests for the glittering event, which is now in its 12th year.
Family and friends of each of the finalists and members of the youth service will also be in attendance, with videos charting the inspirational stories of all seven young people will be showcased.
Coun Taylor said: “The 4Uth Awards are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate this amazing group of young people from across Nottinghamshire.
“Our finalists can be very proud of what they have achieved and the hurdles they have overcome growing up. I am really looking forward to meeting all of them at the awards evening and hearing about their remarkable stories.
“They are all stars, and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time to nominate someone special.
“I’m sure it will be a night to remember for the families and friends of all our finalists, as well as our super seven.”
There were around 70 young people nominated – with entries received from friends, family members, youth workers and people who work in a range of voluntary, public sector and other organisations.
Judging panels in each district decided the winners from three nominations in each area, and a separate judging panel assessed the final seven.
The district winners include:
- Ashfield – Shayden West – nominated by Zoe Taylor
- Mansfield – Mia Louise Smith – nominated by Jane Penistone
- Newark and Sherwood – Reece Martin – nominated by Laura Burrows
Shayden West
Shayden, 16, who attends Quarrydale Academy, Sutton, has gone from being a very shy young man who struggled to converse with other youngsters to someone who is a bubbly, outgoing, supportive young man.
He is now also a member of the Youth Parliament for Ashfield, and runs his own group session at the Quarrydale Young People Centre, with the support of a youth worker, to help young people make themselves more positive and have a better outlook on life.
Zoe Taylor, a youth worker at the young people centre, said: “Shayden has made changes to these young men’s lives by having genuine conversations with them about what affects them and how they can make changes to make sure they live their lives to full capacity and enjoy it.
“During these sessions, he has a set topic each week which they choose among themselves, and he sets tasks, does his research to ensure he can support them to the best of his ability.
“Shayden also runs a management committee once a week, which is targeted work with a group of young people to see what changes we can make in the centre to make it as welcoming, fun and the best experience it can be for everyone who attends.
“He has grown in confidence and self-esteem over the last 18 months. Shayden is also empowering other young people to make positive changes for themselves, and they see him as a positive role model.”
Mia Louise Smith
Mia, 13, a pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, Mansfield, is a caring young person who has done so much to help others by tirelessly devoting many hours to fundraising in the community.
She has also overcome her shyness to perform at an open mic night, something she would not have considered doing less than six months ago.
Jane Penistone, of MyPlace at Westfield Folkhouse Young People’s Centre, Mansfield, said: “She also worked with others to organise a band night at a local pub, for which she went to all the meetings with the manager.
“She’s also done events like walking 6,000 steps a day and a sponsored haircut to raise funds and awareness for good causes.
“Mia has also volunteered over 150 hours with the police cadets, shadowing the police at community events such as the Emergency Services Day at Wollaton Hall in May.
“Mia cares deeply for her peers and encourages them to do their best and get involved.”
Reece Martin
Fifteen-year-old Reece, a student at The Dukeries Academy, Ollerton, has proved to be a key asset at Dukeries Young People’s Centre, where he helps and also volunteers in the community.
Laura Burrows, previously a youth worker at Dukeries Young People’s Centre, said: “Reece is always up for supporting his young people’s centre and a new challenge.
“He works hard every Saturday at our cook and eat sessions to help cook in the kitchen.
“Reece also cooks most senior sessions too for his peers. He is a member of the local Army Cadets, and he also volunteers at the local leisure centre, all while still completing his schooling.
“Reece works hard and puts 100% into all he does. He is an asset to the centre. We are so proud of his personal growth over the last few years. Well done!”
