Nominations have opened for the seventh Tendring Youth Awards – including a new category for 2023.
The awards celebrate accomplishments by young people who live, study or work in Tendring, across a wide range of categories – and the adults who support them.
New for 2023 is an Improved Attendance category recognising efforts by school pupils to overcome adversity and maintain or improve attendance at schools.
This joins the existing nine categories such as Community Improvement and Environmental Initiative – both of which come with a bursary for the winner – and the Unsung Hero award for adults who support young people.
Individuals or groups of young people, such as youth organisations, can be nominated; while the various categories recognise academic achievement, inspirational caring, work in the community and efforts to help the environment, among others.
A panel of judges assess the nominations after the deadline of Sunday, April 16, and compile a shortlist of finalists, who will be invited to a presentation evening at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Tuesday, July 4.
Karen O’Connor, chairwoman of the Tendring Youth Awards, said there were so many stories of amazing accomplishments by young people just waiting to be told.
“I continue to be touched and humbled every year by the so many inspirational achievements by young people in Tendring,” Karen said.
“So many young people are doing so many wonderful things – as well as adults who support them – and these awards aim to celebrate those people; as well as youth in general.”
To nominate someone for a Tendring Youth Award, complete an online nomination form at https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/tendring-youth-awards or request a form and submit it via [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 11-21) – Sponsored by Actual Radio
This award recognises the young person/s hard and dedicated work to help others with nothing in return. They put themselves out there to show kindness and volunteer their time to help. Can be as an individual or as part of a group.
Arts (Young Person/group aged 11-21) – Sponsored by the Princes Theatre
This award showcases creative, talented and ambitious young people through either drawing, writing, dancing, theatre, design and textiles or another creative art. The winners of this category will get the chance to have a tour around the Princes Theatre.
Community Improvement (Young Person aged 8-21) – Sponsored by Harwich Haven Authority
This award celebrates an individual or group who have significantly contributed to their community by making it a better and nicer place. The winner will receive a bursary from the sponsors, Harwich Haven Authority, to enable them to continue to develop the community project into the future.
Young Carer (Young Person aged 8-18) – Sponsored by Tendring Careline
This award recognises a young person who gives up their own time to help look after someone who has a condition, such as a disability, illness or mental health condition and takes on big adult jobs at a young age.
Learning Achievement (Young Person aged 11-21) – Sponsored by Tendring District Council
This award rewards the hard work and perseverance of a young person who has gone above and beyond by succeeding in their chosen subject at school, college or university, or they have shown their determination to achieve their learning goals by putting in a lot of hard work.
Outstanding Achievement (Young Person aged 11-21) – Sponsored by Essex County Council
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 Growth (Young Person aged 8-21) – Sponsored by Nova Training
