Youth service team receive Shrewsbury Mayor’s Award for services to young people
Shropshire Council’s youth service team have been recognised for their services to young people at the Shrewsbury Town Council Mayor’s Awards.
The awards ceremony was held this week (Tuesday 18 April) at Theatre Severn.
Shrewsbury Town Council’s Mayor Awards seek to recognise and celebrate those unsung heroes who have made an outstanding contribution to the town of Shrewsbury, and also acknowledges those who have addressed some of the big challenges like climate change and the community response to local, national and international crises.
The youth service team was presented with the Youth Award. This award acknowledges the work of schools, groups and individuals who have contributed to the wellbeing of young people within the town. This includes young people who have shown great initiative as well as organisations that have promoted the wellbeing of young people locally.
Shropshire Council’s youth service team being given the Mayor’s Award for supporting young people in Shrewsbury. (l-to-r) Helena Williams, youth support team manager; Bethany Falconer, youth support worker;
Becky Whatmough, assistant youth support worker; Shrewsbury Town Councillor Elisabeth Roberts, Mayor of Shrewsbury (vacating)
Missing from photo is Sian Makin, youth support team manager, Shrewsbury area.
Shropshire Council’s youth service team offer personal and social education to young people whether at school, at home or in town, by using everyday situations as educational opportunities in an informal way to help address their needs. The team help with personal, social, and educational development in an informal approach, and in an environment that is structured around doing so on the terms of young people.
Whilst Shrewsbury Town Council concentrates on structured youth sessions, the council’s youth service team concentrates on detached work, and the team has worked incredibly hard establishing themselves within the town centre. This work which, thanks to Safer Streets funding, operates five days a week, provides more time available for young people with access to a safe adult. They covered numerous topics and issues that affect young people, supported individuals and groups who need additional support, and have gone on to support some of these young people within school settings too.
Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:-
“I’m delighted that our youth service team has been recognised at the Shrewsbury Town Council’s Mayor Awards, for their contribution to supporting young people in the town.
“This award is a testament to the team who go above and beyond to help address the concerns and issues that affect young people. Congratulations to all, and thank you for supporting young people’s wellbeing.”
Sonya Miller, Shropshire Council’s assistant director for children’s social care and safeguarding, said:-
“I am incredibly proud of the work of the youth service do to support young people in the community: they are hardworking, dedicated and skilled workers who put young people at the heart of all they do, and this award is lovely recognition that they deserve.”
Further information
Shrewsbury Town Council’s Mayor Awards categories:-
Built Heritage Award – This award recognises the achievements of individuals, organisations and companies that own buildings in Shrewsbury and have worked towards enhancing the built heritage through new development in sympathetic heritage settings to reuse and conversion of existing buildings.
Business Award – This award acknowledges the work of businesses, organisations and individuals who have contributed to the economy of the town, be it through providing job opportunities, business expansion or general promotion and marketing of the town. Not for profit organisations are also considered in this category.
Climate Emergency Award – This award recognises the work of individuals, groups, organisations, and businesses that have undertaken activity to raise awareness of Climate Emergency locally, promoted efficiency and sustainable use of resources or undertaken initiatives to reduce the impact of carbon.
Community Award – This award celebrates the work of community groups and individuals who have contributed to the social well-being of the town, from major community projects to someone who looks out for their neighbours.
Courtesy Award – This award recognises individuals, companies or organisations within Shrewsbury who have shown extra measures in promoting Shrewsbury as a friendly and courteous place.
Environmental Award – This award celebrates the work of organisations, community groups and individuals who have contributed to enhancing the environment and promoting the green space around Shrewsbury.
Tourism Award – Acknowledging businesses, individuals, groups, and organisations who have contributed to tourism within the town.
Youth Award – This award acknowledges the work of schools, groups and individuals who have contributed to the well-being of young people within the town. This includes young people who have shown great initiative as well as organisations that have promoted the wellbeing of young people locally.
Lifetime Achievement Award – This award shall be given to one person who in the view of the Mayor has provided distinguished service and has made a significant impact to the Shrewsbury community over a sustained period.
