Last month, we were delighted to host our inaugural NE Youth Impact Awards (formerly Projects with Pride) at The Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park. Proud sponsor of the event was University of Sunderland.

Almost 400 young people, members, supporters, sponsors and guests were treated to a showcase of the magnificent organisations and individuals from our member network. The energy and dedication on display from all our award shortlists was truly humbling.

The young lead the way

The evening was hosted by four amazing young people from The Activity Den: Kaylem Rose, Neve Brunskill, Jessica Hughes and Sophie Elliott, who did a magnificent job guiding everyone through the event.

The performances from young people across our network were equally brilliant and showcased just some of the talent we see regularly; Horizon Cheerleading Group, Care to Dance, with Dylan Peterson and Alf Hill at the mic with their guitars. It was wonderful to see their confidence and hear the rapturous applause of our appreciative guests.

The cream of the crop: our winners

Of course, each award had to have a winner. With so many outstanding candidates, many of the awards were very difficult to choose a winner for. All our award recipients are the true embodiment of dedication to making a positive difference to the lives of young people.

Social Action of The Year award, sponsored by Net-Defence:
Young Lives Youth Leadership Programme, Action Foundation

Youth Worker of the Year award, sponsored by LDA Group:
Shauna Nixon, Building Self Belief CIO

Young Achiever of the Year award, sponsored by Celebrate Difference:
Dylan Pederson, Odysseus Mentoring Project

Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by R.W. Mann Trust:
Jess McStravick, YMCA Tees Valley

Young Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Point North:
Laurie-Lee Page, YMCA North Tyneside

Mentor of the Year award, sponsored by University of Sunderland:
Michael Gibson, Pelton Youth Project

Community Champion award, sponsored by Newcastle Building Society:
Bryce Denholm, Cheesy Waffles Youth Project

Going Green award, sponsored by Clearly Drinks:
Buffalo Youth Projects, Cowpen Quay Community Association 

The Nigel Voules Keystone Award​ in recognition of voluntary service:
Tony Halliwell

Trustee of the Year award, sponsored by Grand Hotel Gosforth Park:
Jonathan Hudson, Headliners

Partnership of the Year award, sponsored by LDA Group:
KEY+ Transitions, The Key & Children North East

NE Youth Member of the Year award, sponsored by Vision Achievement:
Pelton Youth Project

Sports, Leisure & Culture of the Year award, sponsored by Industrial Workwear:
Kai Leighton, The Mental Shift CIC

Most Improved of the Year award, sponsored by Gateshead College:
Stepney Bank Stables

Project of the Year award, sponsored by University of Sunderland:
Young Lives Action Foundation

The evening drew high praise from those attending, with particular enthusiasm from our sponsors. Those less familiar with the breadth of our membership network were pleasantly surprised:

“It was wonderful to see the diversity of groups and young people NE Youth is working with…”

New name, same tradition

There was a seamless transition from our former ‘Projects with Pride’ moniker to the new NE Youth Impact Awards as our guests enjoyed the festivities and soaked up the party atmosphere. What remains constant is the very high standard set by each and every winner, year on year. The power of positive action in our communities fuels the wonderful efforts that we recognise at these awards, so no matter what we name them, that will always remain.

As always, we’re indebted to our generous sponsors. This year University of Sunderland was our proud headline sponsor, as well as of two of our individual awards. We’re very grateful to our individual award sponsors – some of whom support us every year –  who give each and every winner a prize they’ll never forget.

An anniversary to remember

Next year is NE Youth’s 90^th anniversary, and it will be a spectacular year of events to remember! We will still be hosting our NE Youth Impact awards next November, but it will be an extra special event to commemorate our important landmark. See you there!

There was excellent media coverage of the event, click the links below to see more:

Chronicle Live

Bdaily

Hello Rayo

Yahoo! News

Headliners

 

Check out the video here:

Shots TV