The largest youth volunteering awards in the country came to the BFI IMAX in London last night, showcasing some of the most positive and determined young people in the country.

The vInspired National Awards aims to challenge negative attitudes towards young people by highlighting the talent, motivation and generosity of young volunteers.

The categories and winners:

Best new volunteer: Zoe Burden, from Lowestoft, has been volunteering for Brighter Futures for the past year, taking children in care on day-trips and giving them opportunities to socialize – a cause very close to Zoe’s heart as she is currently living in supported accommodation and has, herself, been in care for the last three years

All round commitment to volunteering: Danika Hamilton, from Hulme, is a passionate and committed volunteer who credits volunteering with changing the course of her own life. Having experienced coping with homelessness and depression, volunteering has given her focus and determination to help others

Bringing communities together: Joanna Mayes, from Biggleswade, volunteers for NACRO as a football coach. She has overcome a very traumatic time in her past and feels that volunteering has helped her along her road to recovery

Team Activity: The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers programme team in North Tyneside takes on a large group of young people drinking in a local park on Friday nights by setting up street football sessions

Outstanding Contribution by a Youth Worker: Barry Clark, from Hatfield, has been working at the Hatfield centre for more than 40 years, providing a variety of volunteering activities for young people depending on their interests

Most Outstanding NCS Team: Harrow National Citizen’s Service (NCS) team aims to promote a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society by bringing young people from different backgrounds together to make a difference in their communities.

The awards event – was hosted by television personality Emma Willis and comedian Eddie Kadi – and was a star studded celebration of the energy and creativity of young people.

It also featured performances from artists and supporters of vInspired, Tinchy Stryder, Stooshe, Wretch 32 and Angel.

Terry Ryall, vInspired CEO said: “The past year has been a tough one for young people. They have faced ever-increasing rates of unemployment and unfair levels of bad press.

"But the vInspired National Awards were an opportunity to focus, for one whole night, on the amazing things that young people do – on their creativity and energy, and their ability to take their passions and create change.

"The awards are a chance to shout about the good stuff – to remind young people that they can achieve what they want to, and to remind the rest of us just what young people have to offer.”

Share Story: