University joins forces with the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime, Lancashire Constabulary and the former High Sheriff Rodney Swarbrick to recognise and reward ‘outstanding contributions to society’
Do you know a young person who has done something exceptional this year? Would you like to see someone awarded for their bravery, kindness or for making a difference in their community?
The search is now on to find someone deserving of the Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year award and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is asking you to help it find them.
If you know someone aged under 21 who has done something selfless for another person, organisation or their local community we want to hear from you.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 awards and can be submitted anytime up until January 31st 2020.
"Our young people play a huge role in making local communities safer and better places to live and it is extremely important that we recognise and celebrate their achievements."
Winners and runners-up will be 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.
All finalists will then be invited to attend a presentation at Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters in March 2020, 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.
The High Sheriff of Lancashire, Ralph C Assheton TD DL, said: “I have in the past perhaps been swayed by the public perception of young people being disconnected from society by such things as social media.
"Driven by a real sense of public service, these young people often don’t recognise the difference they’re making."
“During my first months as High Sheriff I have been shown the reality of the huge number of our young being keenly involved in many aspects of life throughout the county. I am therefore keen to recognise and reward outstanding contributions to society through the Young Citizen Award.
“I would like to receive as many nominations as possible, so that I can read about their good work.
“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.”
The countywide awards take place every year to celebrate the county’s most caring young residents. These could be people who have helped either their local neighbourhood, an individual, family member or local organisation.
The University of Central Lancashire is sponsoring this year’s awards.
Dr Lynne Livesey, Interim Vice-Chancellor at UCLan, said: “The University of Central Lancashire is delighted to sponsor the High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year Awards 2020.
“UCLan is committed to deep-rooted engagement with the wider communities of Preston, Lancashire and the North West and so the ethos behind this initiative is one we support wholeheartedly.
“Our young people play a huge role in making local communities safer and better places to live and it is extremely important that we recognise and celebrate their achievements. Many go above and beyond, stepping out of their comfort zones to make a difference. Importantly they act as powerful ambassadors for inspiring positive change in others.
“My congratulations go to all this year’s nominated candidates.”
Lancashire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Andy Rhodes, said: “The Young Citizen Awards is always an inspirational and heartwarming event for me.
“It’s very humbling to hear about so many inspiring young people who are shaping our future.
“Driven by a real sense of public service, these young people often don’t recognise the difference they’re making, so the Young Citizen Awards is the perfect opportunity for us to thank and celebrate them.”
Approval of a parent or guardian is needed for the nomination, subsequent publicity and any future events involving the finalists.
Nomination forms can be completed online at https://www.lanpac.co.uk/nomination/. For more information contact Al Yusuf or Anna Baybutt from LANPAC on 01772 412796.