Celebrate Success Northern Ireland final 2009
The achievements of young people and
volunteers from across Northern Ireland were honoured by The
Prince’s Trust at a recent high-profile awards ceremony..
The Oscar-style event, which took place at Storm Cinemas
Belfast, was attended by a host of Prince’s Trust Celebrity
Ambassadors including Pete Snodden, Denise Watson and David
Humphreys who witnessed the moving and inspiring stories of the
finalists. Entertainment for the event was provided by award
winning dance group Flawless, who shot to fame as finalists on
Britain’s Got Talent and local up and coming musicians Garrett
O’Hare and Dave Molloy.
The awards celebrate the achievements of disadvantaged young
people supported by The Trust who have changed their lives and had
a positive impact on the local community. The outstanding levels of
support provided by Prince’s Trust volunteers and staff from
partner organisations across the region were also recognised at the
event.
Sir Nigel Hamilton, Chairman of The Prince’s Trust in Northern
Ireland, said:
Our congratulations go to all the finalists and
winners. Through the dedication and hard work of our volunteers,
staff and supporters The Prince’s Trust is helping thousands of
local young people to turn their lives around and making an
invaluable contribution to their community and the wider
economy.
Winners
The winners of The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Award
categories are:
Vodafone Northern Ireland Young Achiever of the Year Award
Paul
Waite
Paul’s offer of a job as a fire-fighter was withdrawn when after
a moment of madness he found himself with a conviction for GBH.
Paul then faced many rejections and he was losing confidence. He
joined The Trust’s Get into Sports programme and excelled from the
start. He now has a full time job and is also a coach at a primary
school.
Federation of Small Businesses Enterprise Award
Lisa
Dunlop
Lisa, a single parent, had many hardships to endure in her life
including long term unemployment, the loss of a baby and
relationship break-ups. She had contemplated taking her life when a
twist of fate pushed her in the direction of self employment. Her
beauty business, supported by The Trust was her way forward and the
means to provide for her family.
Moy Park Educational Achiever Award
Nathan
Lavery
Nathan had ADHD and found it extremely difficult to cope in
mainstream education; he was constantly getting into trouble with
staff and would spend long periods out of class or away from
school. Though xl Nathan has developed a great work ethic and was
an outstanding xl club member.
Ulster Bank Community Impact Award
Craigavon
Team - April ’09
This team conducted a major clean up of a stream that meanders
through Craigavon’s housing estates. The stream hadn’t flowed for
years and the team did an amazing job, working in horrible
conditions to remove tons of rubbish. The Team co-ordinated the
work with the local council, community groups and employers.
Titanic Quarter Volunteer of the Year Award
Simon
Smith
Simon has a business doing motivational speaking and coaching
and saw the opportunity to contribute to the community by
volunteering as a business mentor. He has supported five young
people, travelling many miles to share his skills and expertise. He
has also volunteered to help Young Ambassadors and Million
Makers.
Calor Inspiring Leaders Award
PSNI
PSNI supports The Prince’s Trust by providing much needed
secondees who help deliver the Team Programme throughout Northern
Ireland, without their help many Teams would simply not operate.
PSNI also provides financial support through its Policing in the
Community Funds.
All the winners, sponsors and VIPs attended a special reception
in the Laughter Lounge after the ceremony which was sponsored by
Wilson Group.
The winners of each award will compete against others from 11
Prince’s Trust regional and country Awards for a place in the UK
finals. Overall winners will be revealed at the prestigious
Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Finals which will take place in
London in spring 2010.