Around 400 people attended the prestigious Youth Awards ceremony last week to celebrate the achievements of young people and youth workers from right across Northern Ireland. The event was held in Lisburn’s Lagan Valley Island Centre and was hosted by Cool FM’s Pete Snodden.

Natalie Tweed and Mark Coiley and were on hand to collect their award from Linda Barclay of the Health Promotion Agency.

Newtownabbey Youth Council, along with Donegal Youth Service, produced a DVD and resource pack to deliver to their peers. Issues covered in the project included alcohol-fuelled aggression, drink driving, underage drinking, and date rape.

Now in their third year, the Youth Awards recognise the commitment, success, talents and energy of young people and those who work with them. Sponsored by the Department of Education, Youth Council for Northern Ireland and the Health Promotion Agency, the awards were open to both individuals and groups in the seven categories of Volunteering, Peace Building, Innovation, International Work, Inclusion, Health Promotion Work and Outstanding Achievement.

Karen Witherspoon, from the Youth Council for Northern Ireland, the awards organiser said: “Young people and those working within the Youth Service make a huge contribution to their local communities. These awards were set up as there was no formal way of recognising the dedication and achievements of young people and those who work with them.

“Young people within the age range of the youth service make up nearly 1/3 of the population of Northern Ireland and around 35% of those will be actively involved in some form of youth service. There is also an extensive network of around 20,000 adult volunteers and paid youth workers and we knew that some really innovative and ground-breaking work was being undertaken.

“Research has consistently shown that involvement in youth work has a positive impact on the social and personal development of young people and this is very important if they are to realise their full potential

“These awards are a chance to celebrate the positive work being carried out and raise awareness among the public of the contribution young people make to society.“

The event was also attended by Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, who said: “Congratulations to all the finalists here tonight. These awards are a fantastic way of acknowledging the achievements of the Youth Sector which makes such a valuable contribution to the lives of young people in the north of Ireland. Getting involved in youth work has a positive effect on the social and personal development of young people which will help them to realise their full potential."