Young people celebrated at Inspire Youth Awards

Local young people who have overcome personal challenges, supported their peers and given up their time to help others have been recognised at Warminster’s Inspire Youth Awards.

The awards were presented at Kingdown School on Tuesday 20th October, celebrating the achievements of young people, volunteers, organisations and adults making a difference in the town.

Now in its second year, the awards are organised by Wiltshire Area Youth Service, which runs Warminster Youth Club.

Kit Hopkins received the Young Carer Award for balancing school with caring responsibilities, while Kevin Watchman-Grant won the Young Leader Award for helping at weekly SEN sessions and supporting other young people.

Bella French received the Young Progress Award after seeking support, while Sophie Percival won the Young SEN Award for showing resilience.

Phoebe Arnold won the Young Recognition Award for volunteering at a weekly sports class and acting as a role model to her peers while Jessica Williams received the Young Volunteer Award,

Team10 received the Best Team Award for volunteering on community projects, while The Little Sparrows Theatre Company won the Young Team Award. Teacher Laura Maddison-Williams received the Outstanding Recognition Award for helping her students to achieve things they never believed they could, while Steven Dudley won the Special Achievement Award.

Warminster McDonald’s won the Community Award for providing a warm, safe space where young people can meet without having to buy anything. The team has kept its doors open and welcoming even when dealing with youth anti-social behaviour.

Warminster Cricket Club received the Best Provision Award for giving more than 150 young people the opportunity to build confidence and develop a love of cricket.

Sergeant Lyndsey Smith won the Inspirational Adult Award for her work protecting young people from exploitation and helping to reduce youth anti-social behaviour. Keryne Thompson received the Sponsors Award for their work supporting families and helping them connect with schools, children’s services and other organisations.

Beth Mullins, from Wiltshire Area Youth Service, said, “These awards are so important because working with young people is really tough at times and every person growing up has that one person that inspires them, so this event is to recognise that. It is also to recognise the work we do; it is really special to recognise everybody and be inclusive.”

The evening featured performances by Freddie Evans and Sophia McGukian also taking place during the evening.