Bassetlaw nominees: 4Uth Awards 2020
Caren Callaghan, Carlton in Lindrick, aged 19
During lockdown Caren returned to her foster placement from university. She spent her time working for a care company, visiting elderly people in their homes and supporting them by cooking meals, helping them with tasks like putting shoes and socks on, shopping, and offering conversation and companionship to them.
Caren met the same people regularly, and built up good relationships with them. During the lockdown period, many of these people would have been isolated and lonely without her company. Caren wanted to keep busy during lockdown and give something back to her community, helping vulnerable people.
Kate Stacey, Carlton in Lindrick, aged 19
At the beginning of the pandemic Kate was studying Business at Sheffield Hallam University and she also had a part-time job. She came back to Carlton in Lindrick to be with her family, and began helping people affected by Covid-19. She worked with youth centre volunteers at the Carlton in Lindrick Volunteers network to deliver over 2,000 prescriptions to people who were isolating or over 65 throughout the local area.
Kate helped in Carlton as well as at the Dinnington support hub, for people in the villages on the Nottinghamshire / Yorkshire border. She used her own car and fuel, and was always willing to go the extra mile and help without being asked.
As well as providing practical help, she also gave people someone to talk to at a time when many people were isolated. The local pharmacy would not have managed if it had not been for volunteers like Kate, that went out every day delivering prescriptions.
Max Lee, Carlton in Lindrick, aged 16
Max has overcome the challenge of living through the pandemic without access to social activities by learning the skills to take part in online dance sessions at SANDance (See the Ability Not the Disability). As a young person with disabilities this has been particularly difficult. He has been very committed and energetic in his attendance and has inspired and encouraged the rest of the group.
Max has helped to make the online classes a real pleasure. His bold approach sets the pace for the other group members and has even wowed guest dance practitioners who have attended our sessions, visibly impressing Tom Dale (Tom Dale company) with his abilities. Max is always looking for a way to make the sessions fun, and brings in uplifting energy to the group.
Max's confidence has grown, and the ability to perform has been a challenge that he has steadily started to overcome. Max’s love for dance and expression through movement is an inspiration to anyone that works with him or sees him and showcases the impact young disabled dancers can have.
Simran Uppal, Ranskill, aged 16
Since joining Bassetlaw Youth Council Simran has grown in confidence, becoming a leader and champion for young people. She is a passionate and dedicated young person that wants to make a difference to her community, ensuring that young people's voices are heard.
In the last three years she has become Chairman of Bassetlaw Youth Council, a Member for Youth Parliament and Chair of Nottinghamshire Young People's Board. She sits on the Sheffield City Region Combined Youth Authority and Worksop Town Commission. She is a Green Champion and has led on a number of projects. She has also spoken at a transport conference hosted by Dan Jarvis MP.
She has been working for the last two years on establishing a Youth Mayor for Bassetlaw. She has worked with Charter Trustees, Members and young people to raise interest in the proposal. She gathered information about other Youth Mayors and gave a presentation to the Cabinet of Bassetlaw District Council, holding a Q&A session in order to gain support. It is hoped that the new role will be established in April 2021.
Simran has been involved in raising issues about transport in rural areas, Stagecoach Bus company are working with Simran and the Youth Council to improve transport and make it more attractive for young people. Her volunteering has improved the environment in Bassetlaw with not only practical gestures like litter picking, but her determination to lower the carbon footprint of the Youth Council and being part of the discussions on how to further protect the climate. She has also been part of the Bassetlaw Intergenerational Group which bridges the gap between old and young by sharing experiences and learning from each other.
