The public are being urged to nominate their unsung young hero for the Annual Oxfordshire Youth Awards this July. The awards, a cross between the Pride of Britain and the Oscars, are an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of the county’s youngsters and is being hosted by Oxfordshire Association for Young People (OAYP).

In its second year, the ceremony is the brainchild of Colette Selwood, development manager of Oxfordshire Children and Voluntary Youth Services (OCVYS) and is run in partnership with OCVYS. It is supported with funding from Barclays Bank, the Youth Opportunities Fund and the Chill Out Fund. Colette said: “The idea behind the awards is to celebrate and give recognition to the achievements of the young people of our vounty and to encourage them to achieve their potential. So often young people are seen as a problem to society, but Oxfordshire Association for Young People want to redress the balance by recognising the many positive and inspiring contributions young people make to our county.”

Anyone can nominate a young person (aged 13-18) for an award in one of the five categories. The Outstanding Individual Achievement Award is for a young person who is standing on their own two feet, helping others, and making a difference or a positive contribution to the world in which they live in.

The Individual Bravery Award is for a young person who has shown courage in the face of adversity, or a young person who shows great commitment to a friend or family member in a caring role.

The Sports Award can be for a group or individual, who have shown great achievement, commitment and determination in the field of sport; including coaching and refereeing.

The Arts Award can be for a group or individual who have shown a great passion and creativity in the wide field of arts. This includes photography, film, dance, drama, music and much, much more. The Community Award is for a group or an individual, who have been of service to others in their community through volunteering or charity work. This can include youth forums, mentoring schemes or environmental projects in their area. Youth awards co-ordinator, Debbie Egan said: “We would encourage anyone who knows a young person who has achieved something in one of the five categories to nominate them for an award. Even if they don’t win, the fact that someone has recognised their efforts can have a hugely positive effect.”

All nominations need to be in by Friday, May 29, and a panel of young people will shortlist three people from each category and decide on the ultimate winners.

To nominate a young hero visit the OCVA website (ocva.org.uk) and download a nomination form.

  • If you wish to contribute to this column, email Oxfordshire Voluntary Action at voluntaryvoice@ocva.org.uk