Award for former chairman of Youth Forum

     



A member of Shepway Youth Forum was among those honoured at the Kent Young People's Respect Awards.
Jack Devine, from Foreland Avenue, Folkestone, is a former chairman of the forum. He was nominated by Rob Needham, a housing officer at Shepway Council, and was highly recommended in the Kent and Medway Social Landlords' Group Award.
"Having heard Jack address one of our recent residents' association meetings, I felt that indirectly he and his team will help to fight anti-social behaviour in the local area by giving young people a forum to express their views, channel their energies and work positively for their community," said Rob.
The Shepway Youth Forum, which was officially launched in July 2005, aims give young people between the ages of 11 and 19 a voice and an opportunity to influence what is happening around them. Earlier this year members appeared in the BBC Politics Show where they quizzed local politicians in a political ‘speed dating' session.

Adrian Powell, Shepway Council Youth Officer, said it was great that the work Jack and the Forum did had been recognised in the Young People's Respect Award.
The county champion was a 16-year-old who has won the respect of the police and youth workers for building bridges between young people and the community.
Kent's Chief Constable, Mike Fuller, said he never failed to be impressed by the sense of responsibility and commitment shown by young people who work to make their communities better places.
He said: "Your work influences people's perceptions and changes attitudes. It makes friends and it wins hearts. It acts as a deterrent to wrongdoers.
"The more you spread your message of community spirit and friendship through your actions, the more that is heard and acted upon by others."
The awards, launched by the Kent Messenger Group and Kent Police three years ago, were presented at the Kent Police Training College, Maidstone.
Kent Crimestoppers and the Kent and Medway Social Landlords' Group also added their support with awards this year.