Hearing Unheard Voices Awards Report by Jo Mayes

Tuesday 29th November 2011 saw the much anticipated UK Youth Hearing Unheard Voices Campaign Awards. Young people dressed in their finest to attend ST James Palace for their chance to shine. The HUV awards gave young people’s campaigns a chance to get some well deserved recognition for all their hard work. This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the young people involved in the HUV Group backed up on the day by UK Youth Voice.

                Arriving at 10am the young people were put straight to work, learning their roles, positions and what was expected of them. As the realisation of their task ahead downed on them, their nerves started to show, “ I was fairly nervous as I hadn't been to a palace before. But everyone supported me and I was fine” :)Adam Turnbull aged 17 was a door guide and done the closing speech.  The young people had no time to think as it was soon time for the groups and guests to arrive. The HUV group had decided on who should be shortlisted and eventual winners . The Award ceremony was to be run completely by the young people including showing guests to their correct rooms and making sure everything was running on time.

                Once everyone was in their designated room the celebrities were invited to give a speech. The celebrities where professional mountain biker Grant Fielder, actress and campaigner Brooke Kinsella and the hip-hop star Sway.  Shortlisted groups were then put out of their misery and were told who had won an award, congratulations to the following winners :

Biggest impact - Love Shouldn't Hurt

Outstanding recognition - Trailblazers

Most creative campaign - Life in My Shoes

Extra mile award - Save our EMA

Most youth led initiative - Autism Don't Panic

Best local campaign - Me2

Successful partnership campaign - Vertia Magazine

After the first 7 awards were announces, there was enough time for some networking, congratulations and some food before HRH Princess Royal arrived. Making her way through all the shortlisted and winning groups with the help of Keeley Burgess HRH spoke to all the young people. This was followed but HRH giving a speech about how inspirational the young people are. Next on the agenda was the announcement of the 8th and final award, Turning your life around award. Congratulations to Worchester acorns. HRH then left, leaving the young people to breathe a sigh of relief. The young people ran the event from start to finish, they were professional, and mature beyond their years.

With less than 1 in 4 stories in the media about young people being positive, is it any wonder young people have a bad image. One thing is for sure all 460 guests that attended The Hearing Unheard Voices Award ceremony where shown something different. They say today’s young people are tomorrows future, with these young people the future is bright !

To see all the media coverage click here , take a look at the photos from the ceremony here

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