Barry News
Vale Youth Speak Up wins prestigious Philip Lawrence Award
4:50pm Monday 20th February 2012
LOCAL youth project Vale Youth Speak Up has won a prestigious Philip Lawrence Award.
Lord Henley announced the 2011 winners at an event at the House of Commons late in January.
The event celebrated the positive contribution young people are making in their communities, and discussed how this can help steer more young people away from crime. Founded in July 2009, Vale Youth Speak Up is a user-led self-advocacy children and young people's group of 36 people aged 11-25, working to highlight and tackle the issues of discrimination and bullying facing young people with disabilities.
A major objective of the project is to empower and facilitate young people's involvement in decision-making processes. The group have used innovative methods to convey the message that people with disabilities can excel when they are listened to and given the right support.
They have trained and advised the police, parents and youth services on how to interact with young disabled people, leading to an improved experience for those young people with learning disabilities.
Members are hoping to draw in more support for their cause, and keep raising awareness among their community about the treatment of disabled young people.
Vale Youth Speak Up will be presented with their award at an event in Barry Town Hall on February 23.
Vale People First co-ordinator, Liz Davidson, said: "To say we are overwhelmed with the recognition of a Philip Lawrence Award is an understatement.
"Vale Youth Speak Up is a group that has only been meeting for two years, and to have attracted such kudos in such a short space of time is incredible."
Speaking at the House of Commons event, Frances Lawrence, the awards founder said: "This year's Awards celebrate young people who have taken it upon themselves to deal with really cutting edge issues.
"The passion, modesty and determination of our award-winners shine through, as they help to build stronger and safer communities. They are wholly deserving of our thanks, support and admiration."
The Philip Lawrence Awards, managed by the crime reduction charity Nacro and supported by the Home Office, celebrate the positive contribution groups of young people make in their communities to counter crime, violence, bullying and racism, and challenge negative stereotypes.