Mansfield nominees: 4Uth Awards 2020
Luke Ellis, Mansfield, aged 15
In the middle of the first lockdown the Ellis family realised there were structural issues that needed to be addressed quickly, otherwise the family's health may have been be compromised.
Luke had to step up to support his deaf parents to deal with the damp in their house by making contact with the council himself and dealing with the issue. As both his parents are deaf, they were having difficulty communicating with the services available to help them, and also need to spend time supporting Luke's sister, who suffers from some mental health needs.
Luke plays an active role in the the Friends of Ladybrook Park Community Group, where they have managed to get £500 of funding to support renovations to the park. He also supported his grandma during lockdown, while being careful to maintain social distancing and following the guidelines.
Ashley Widdop, Pleasley, aged 16
During 2020 Ashley experienced several changes in her life, like moving from foster care into residential care, leaving school during the pandemic.
Ashley has remained positive throughout all of this, building relationships with youth workers and staff, gaining a place at a racing college, supporting other residents, and has kept herself on track physically and mentally with her personal plans and targets.
As well as continuing her education, Ashley volunteered at a stable yard, cleaning and caring for horses. She attended the Mill Adventure base where she played a key role in encouraging other residents to get involved and try new activities. Ashley convinced another young person to try bike riding, and despite being very reluctant at first, the young person was persuaded by Ashley and learnt to ride, eventually buying their own bike, so they could cycle through lockdown.
Ashley kept busy exercising and dedicated time to making posters to thank the NHS. She also took part in a Nottinghamshire County Council film project, to reassure and support children and young people when they first come into care.
Dillan Birch, Medan Vale, aged 13
Dillan's attitude has vastly improved recently, and his confidence has grown. His school has seen a massive improvement in his behaviour with an optimistic attitude. His mindset has really changed, he has seen what the negative influences are in his world and he has decided to do something about it.
Dillan knows that his family are proud of him and his achievements, and this helps him get through the challenging aspects of each day. Having shown a willingness to accept change in his life, Dillan wants options in his life after he is 16, and realises that the more he puts into his education, the better his options will be. He now wants to invest in his future.
Jake Fletcher, Maddie Fletcher, Kenan Chambers and Dionne Williams, Mansfield, aged 13-17
Jake, Maddie, Kenan and Dionne came together during very challenging circumstances. They had been away from school, college, the youth club and most of their families for many months due to the pandemic, and sadly one of their close friends took his own life at the beginning of the summer holidays.
Since then, this group of young people have been there for each other, and decided to make a lasting tribute to their friend. This tribute is not only to commemorate their friend, but to remind all other young people who see it that they have a voice, that people will listen to them, and that they are not alone.
The group come together every week to create a lasting piece of art. They worked outside to prepare the wall, designed the display, and sprayed the art work, even when the weather was against them. The group created a space where they feel safe to share their feelings, and have a mutual respect for each others wellbeing. They have developed a strong bond with each other.
The art work will be a lasting tribute to their friend. The walls had been left neglected for years with old graffiti art, but now with this new lease of life the area is vibrant and welcoming to young people across the whole community.
Tom Day, Mansfield Woodhouse, aged 14
Tom has changed his approach to life since he started to engage with his local youth club. He recognised that he needed to change his behaviour so that he could achieve his full potential socially, academically and personally.
Tom recognised that his previous path would only lead to him getting into trouble within his own community, so made a choice to change. In the last 18 months, Tom has conscientiously made significant steps to improve his reputation, improving attendance and attainment at school, and joining after school clubs, like Duke of Edinburgh. He is also now coaching his local football team and referees junior games on a regular basis.
He has helped the community by doing odd jobs for friends and neighbours, like gardening and repairing bikes for other young people, and his confidence is growing. He has knowledge and expertise with DJ and digital equipment, and is actively encouraging other youth club members to get involved with activities like cooking, or arts and crafts. He has contributed to making Manor Youth Club a place where young people can learn new skills and grow , becoming a leader and inspiration for other young people.
