Twelve local youngsters have been awarded with a Young Citizens Award due to their outstanding work within the community.
Arun Bansal, Jayden-Jarrett Whiston, Maison Whiston, John Crabtree OBE (Lord-Lieutenant), Helen Higson OBE (Vice Lord-Lieutenant), Ashley Copson, Harvey Kataria and Jayme Nelson
This includes Ashley Copson who went to school at Pool Hayes Academy in Willenhall, and has spent his spare time volunteering for Walsall Outreach and delivering food to the homeless, elderly and vulnerable every week.
The recipients of the West Midlands Lieutenancy Young Citizen Awards met up with Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree OBE at a ceremony held at Acme Whistles in Birmingham to receive their awards.
The awards were launched last Autumn in order to highlight the incredible work young volunteers do within the local community.
Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader for Resilient Communities said, “It is so good to see young people volunteering and helping their local communities. As well as dedicating hours of volunteering, Ashley has shown initiative and dedication by delivering meals for those in need in his local area. Every little idea and action really does help support those in need in the borough”
Councillor Chris Towe, Portfolio Holder for Schools said, “We are proud of Ashley and hope that his story will encourage other young people in the borough to volunteer in creative ways, and inspire them to make a valued contribution to their local community.”
The Lord-Lieutenant, John Crabtree OBE said, “We knew young people were doing some fantastic activities to help others but the new award has provided an opportunity to find out how much is going on and how young people are contributing. It is hugely heart-warming to hear their stories and I am impressed with their ingenuity and the lengths they have gone to make such a positive contribution to help others. It was an absolute pleasure to meet many of them and I am grateful for all the schools that helped highlight their endeavours to us.”
For more information, including how to nominate, check out the official West Midlands Lieutenancy website.