Member Article

Volunteers Awarded

North Yorkshire Youth have celebrated the achievements of some of their volunteers at 2 different award ceremonies in the same week.

Joseph Banks age 13 won a prize of £1000 to be given to a charity or community group of his choice when he was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year at the North Yorkshire County Council Volunteer Awards, which were held on October 29th. Joseph volunteers regularly at, and was a key contributor in the setting up the youth club at Huttons Ambo in Ryedale. Lilly Allenby Youth Development Worker for Ryedale nominated Joseph. Lilly said ‘Joseph did an amazing job and consulted with young people in the area and presented his findings to the Village Hall committee’. Joseph has since gone on to raise funds for the village defibrillator.

David Sharp, chief executive said: “These young volunteers have set an enviable standard of commitment, are an example to others and fully deserve the recognition that these awards bring.”

Lisa Bentham has the responsibility for safeguarding, membership and the weekly programme at Boroughbridge Youth Club, which she played an integral part in setting up. Lisa won the Harrogate Volunteering Oscars held on 28th October.

Lisa is also a volunteer buddy as part of North Yorkshire Youth’s buddy network. She has already supported one young person and now is supporting her second. Youth Development Workers Lenny (R) Lennon and Vicki Lever who nominated Lisa said that ‘Lisa is a hard working young person who gives a lot of her personal time to benefit other young people in and around her own community – this is on top of working full time as a business support administrator for NYCC Prevention Service and studying for a youth work degree through distance learning’.

“Joseph and Lisa represent the younger generation in a positive and enlightening way. They are both worthy winners of their awards.” adds David Sharp.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Gallery .