The search is on to find an exceptional young person deserving of the Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year award – and we need your help to find them.
If you know someone who has done something selfless for another person, organisation or their local community we would love to hear from you, as applications are now being accepted for the 2019 awards.
The countywide awards take place every year to celebrate the county’s most caring young residents.
High Sheriff of Lancashire, Tony Attard, said: “I have been immensely impressed by the contribution young people make to our society. It is therefore important that this work which is often carried out or instigated by modest young people is recognised and rewarded. The Young Citizen Award is designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by our young people in Lancashire and I would be delighted to receive as many nominations as possible.
“If you know someone who you think has made a real difference to their community then please complete an application and let us hear about it. The application can be for any positive contribution to local life – fundraising, helping or caring for people (within or without their family), or being very thoughtful, kind or brave in some way. Not everyone can win the prize, but nominations will give the opportunity for each young person to be congratulated.”
“I look forward to lots of nominations and reading about some terrific achievements that our young people are involved with in Lancashire.”
The awards take place every year and involve the High Sheriff inviting applications to find a young person, ideally aged up to age 21, who has helped either their local neighbourhood, an individual, family member or local organisation.
The University of Central Lancashire are sponsoring this year’s awards.
Prof Mike Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “The University of Central Lancashire is proud to continue sponsoring the High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year Awards. The awards are a real showcase for the selfless acts that the young people of Lancashire do all year round to help people less fortunate than themselves.
“As a University dedicated to helping young people from all walks to make the best of their potential, it’s inspiring to hear the nominees’ stories – how the time, effort and compassion they invest helps others to improve and transform their lives. These young people are credit to their families, their communities and the County of Lancashire. It’s a real privilege to celebrate their achievements with this competition.”
Winners and runners up are selected by the High Sheriff and a panel of judges from the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), Lancashire Constabulary, the University of Central Lancashire and the former High Sheriff Rodney Swarbrick, who initiated the award.
Lancashire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Andy Rhodes, said: “It’s always a privilege to hear about so many inspiring young people, who are shaping our future. They may not even recognise the difference they’re making, so the Young Citizen Awards is great opportunity for us to thank and celebrate them.”
Applications will be accepted until January 31st 2019.
All finalists will then be invited to attend a presentation at Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters in March 2019, where the winner will receive £500 along with a specially commissioned trophy and certificate from the High Sheriff and Chief Constable Andy Rhodes.
Two runners up will also receive £100 and a certificate.
Approval of a parent or guardian is needed for the nomination, subsequent publicity and any future events involving the finalists.
Application forms can be completed online at www.lanpac.co.uk. For more information contact Al Yusuf or Emma Bone from LANPAC on 01772 412796.
