Last year the Tendring Youth Awards were cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic and this year the awards ceremony will held in October, rather than July. To make sure that no-one is disadvantaged by the cancellation of last year’s awards, the age criteria for 2021 has been extended in each category by a year, while any early nominations submitted in 2020 will be carried forward.

In addition a new award category is being introduced especially for this year, Covid Champion, to recognise young people who have supported their community, battled adversity or helped family and friends during the pandemic.

Youth groups can also be nominated, and categories recognise academic achievement, inspirational caring, work in the community and efforts to help the environment, among others.

A panel of judges will assess the nominations after the deadline of Friday, July 30, and compile a shortlist of finalists, who will be invited to a glitzy presentation evening at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on October 19.

Karen O’Connor, Tendring Youth Awards Chairwoman, said she hoped for a bumper batch of nominations this year. “This year, given everything we have all been through, I am confident there will be a huge crop of nominations reflecting how hard young people have worked – whether that be in the Learning Achievement award for studying hard through two home school periods, or helping neighbours who have been shielding.”

Harwich Haven Authority is the headline sponsor for the awards, which are supported by Tendring District Council and Essex County Council.

To nominate someone for a Tendring Youth Award, complete an online nomination form at https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/tendring-youth-awards or download a form and submit it to [email protected] – alternatively you can fill it out and return it by post to Tendring Youth Awards (Nominations), Town Hall, Clacton, CO15 1SE.

The Awards

Volunteer (Young Person aged 11-22)

This award recognises the volunteering efforts of young people as an individual or as part of a group.

Arts (Young Person/group aged 11-22) 

This award showcases the creative potential of a young person or group in any respect of the arts, including Creative (i.e. drawing or writing), Expressive (i.e. dancing or theatre) or Applied (i.e. product design or textiles).

Community Improvement (Young Person aged 8-22) 

This award celebrates an individual or group who has significantly contributed to their community. It includes a bursary from the sponsor to enable the winners to continue to develop their initiative.

Young Carer (Young Person aged 8-19)

This award recognises a young person who helps look after a relative or friend who has a condition, such as a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem.

Learning Achievement (Young Person aged 11-22) 

This award rewards the hard work and perseverance of a young person who has succeeded in their chosen subject or subjects, showing their determination to achieve their learning goals.

Outstanding Achievement (Young Person aged 11-22) 

The Outstanding Achievement category is all about celebrating an individual or group of young people achieving in any discipline or field. Achievements must be significant and exceed the norm.

Personal Achievement (Young Person aged 8-22) 

This award is given in recognition that some young people overcome huge difficulties to achieve success. Obstacles might include problems in their family, social, educational, health or work lives.

The Environmental Initiative Award (Young Person/group aged 8-22)

Celebrating those who have significantly contributed to improving or caring for the environment.  This award includes a bursary from the sponsors to enable the winners to continue and develop their environmental initiatives into the future.  

Unsung Hero (Adult) 

This award is given in recognition the efforts of an individual (adult) to support young people to achieve their full potential, through volunteering, mentoring, coaching or work.

Covid Champion (Young Person aged 8-21)

Nominate your lockdown heroes. We’re looking for young people who have perhaps been active in their community, helping those shielding, or have struggled through adversity due to Covid-19.

Committee’s Award

This award is given to one of those shortlisted for an award, in any category, that stands out for special acknowledgement.