The awards, which are celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2019, are run by County Hall’s Early Help & Preventative Services. They are designed to raise the profile of young people who go the extra mile in their community, often with little recognition.
Entry is open to anyone across the county aged from 11 to 18 years old – and up to 25 for those with additional needs.
The efforts and achievements of young people are divided into eight categories:
- Arts: For personal achievement in any form
- Music: For personal achievement in any form
- Sport or Outdoor Activities: Recognising achievement in any activity, demonstrating fair play and commitment
- Community Action: Marking a contribution made to a community, for example through school councils, youth forums, charity work, environmental project and campaigns
- Good Friends and Young Carers: Recognising those who spend time being a good friend, mentor or carer to another member of their family or someone in the community
- Personal Development: For special achievement in education, training or other activities, making changes to improve
- Courage: Recognising acts of courage displayed in coping bravely with illness or other adversity
- Positive Intervention: Where an individual or group has prevented harm, bullying, discrimination or damage
Archie Mitchell, 16, from Aylesford, won the Community Action award last year for helping to bring life-saving equipment and training to his community – despite huge challenges he has faced in life.
He has raised £8,000 for various charities, and his fundraising has provided a defibrillator in an adapted phone box in Aylesford High Street, which he checks and cleans on a weekly basis.
He arranges free training sessions for more than 50 residents and enlisted a team of volunteers who know how to use the life-saving equipment.
Archie has also organised more than 70 junior parkruns and helps to run the school library.
Eloise Fryett from Langton Green won an award in the Good Friends and Young Carers category.
The 16 year old is largely responsible for caring for her mother, who suffers from a condition which causes frequent attacks, resulting in her being unable to breathe properly and requiring immediate medical help.
Eloise was nominated by Helen Stringer, a Young Person’s Support Worker with the charity Imago, who witnessed at first hand how Eloise coped when her mum suffered a sudden attack.
Anyone can submit a nomination. For more information, call 03000 421406, email: icsbscentral@kent.gov.uk or go to kent.gov.uk/tryangle
