10 November 2018
Our ‘Youth Organisation of the Year’ Award is sponsored by APM and recognises the incredible work and achievements of youth organisations in our network. We’re delighted to have received such a high volume of nominees this year – showcasing how youth organisations are working to make a difference in young people’s lives. Here are some of the inspiring stories from our shortlisted candidates!
TAG Youth Club
TAG Youth Club for Disabled Young People aims to empower and optimise the potential of young people with disabilities. Youth workers deliver a range of programmes that encourage personal and social development.
Their core work is about enabling young people to participate in experiences, activities and opportunities that their peers can typically access through universal provisions. Young people at TAG are provided with a safe, caring and well-resourced environment to ensure their high care needs are met, giving them the best opportunity to participate in personal development activities. They engage 1600 young people through their sessions and are work directly with 120 young people per year; they provide an invaluable service for the community.
ThinkForward
ThinkForward works with hard to reach, disengaged young people who are at high risk of unemployment in north and east London, Nottingham and Kent. Coaching in 18 schools, six in each location, ThinkForward is unique because it is the only programme of its kind that supports young people for five years, starting when they are 13. In 2018 they will be supporting just over 900 young people. Coaching enables young people to overcome the barriers they face and find their own solutions. Young people most at risk of unemployment are selected for the ThinkForward programme and 80% of those who have graduated are in education or employment at age 18.
Wigan Youth Zone
Wigan Youth Zone is a purpose built, state-of-the-art youth facility in Wigan town centre offering young people aged 8-19 (and up to 25 with additional needs) the opportunity to meet friends, have new experiences, learn new skills and access the support they need to develop and achieve their potential. Over 22,000 young people have been members of Wigan Youth Zone since it opened and when surveyed 89% of members said they felt more self-confident due to their time there, a testament to the Youth Zone’s core aims. The Youth Zone’s impact has been positive and significant; local police and fire services have reported reductions in both anti-social behaviour and secondary fires – both of which they have attributed to the Youth Zone’s work in the area.
We’re excited to meet all the amazing candidates in person on Tuesday 13th November at the UK Youth Awards 2018. Be sure to follow the hashtag #UKYAwards18 and our twitter page @UKYouth for live coverage of the winners on the night!
If you would like to see more shortlisted candidates check out our nominees for ‘Youth Worker of the Year’ and ‘Young Person of the Year’.