Nominations Open for Youth and Future Talent Awards
The eighth Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) were launched this week in Downpatrick. Created by Newry and Mourne Youth Council in 2012 the awards have developed over the years to include the entire district.
The YAFTA Awards are supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the Community Planning Partnership, the Education Authority Youth Service and the Education Authority Flare Team.
The aim of the awards is to highlight the ‘unsung heroes’ throughout the district who do not normally receive recognition for the contribution they make to their families, youth groups, schools and in the wider community.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “The Council is delighted to support the YAFTAs which have been developed and delivered by the Education Authority Youth Service with the assistance of the Community Planning Partnership. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of young people within our District and it is more important than ever that we celebrate the dedication of our young people who contribute daily to safer, stronger local communities.”
Nicholas McCrickard Chairperson of the Newry, Mourne and Down Community Planning Partnership added, “Newry, Mourne and Down Community Planning Partnership are pleased to support the District’s Youth Council in the delivery of these awards. Young people play an important role across our District and it is important to celebrate their contribution to achieving our vision to make Newry Mourne and Down a place with strong, safe and vibrant communities.”
Speaking also at the launch event Donna Weir, Senior Youth Officer, Education Authority, said; “The Priorities for Youth document identifies participation as a key action and this project is an excellent example of this. Participation in youth work means that it is youth led, programmes are completely run by and for young people at every level. We are grateful for the financial support from the Community Planning Partnership in the Newry Mourne and Down District Council to enable this event to take place.
“These awards are a fantastic way for Council and the Education Authority to celebrate the positive contribution young people make to their friends, their schools, their youth clubs, their families and their communities. I am delighted to support the launch of this event for the eighth year and I wish all involved well in their deliberations.”
Competition is expected to be strong for the eight awards and nomination categories which are as follows:
• Good Relations Award
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
• Voice of Young People Award
• Community Safety Award
• Inspirational Young Person Award
• Inclusion Award
• Environmental Award
• Social Enterprise/Action Award
Nomination forms are now available from the Education Authority offices at Newry Youth Resource Centre Carnbane Road Newry BT15 6QA; Ballymote Youth Wing, Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre, 96 Glebetown Drive, Downpatrick, BT30 6PX; Newry, Mourne & Down District Council offices at Newry Office, Monaghan Row, Newry, BT35 8DJ and Downpatrick Office, Downshire Civic Centre, Ardglass Road, BT30 6GQ.
Nominations can also be made online by visiting Youth & Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) 2023-2024 Application Form Survey (surveymonkey.com)
The deadline for nominations is Tuesday 5 March at 5pm with shortlisted nominees being invited to attend the awards ceremony in the Canal Court Hotel on Thursday 28 March 2024.
For further information contact Rosie Carey, Senior Youth Worker, Education Authority by telephoning 028 302 51515 or by email on rosie.carey@eani.org.uk.