Just 4 Youth, the young person-led social enterprise from West Middlesbrough, last night, won the title “Champion in the Community”, at the Champions of the North Awards held at the Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park in Newcastle. The awards, run by The Sunday Sun and Eaga plc, a green support services provider, recognise and reward outstanding members of the community.  Just 4 Youth was one of just three organisations shortlisted for the award. The Champion in the Community award was sponsored by Barclays.

Just 4 Youth, which has grown out of West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust’s New Deal for Communities regeneration programme, uses a youth-led model to inspire other young people to take charge and make positive changes to their communities.

Kevin Franks, Operations Director for Just 4 Youth commented, “We are delighted that the work of Just 4 Youth has been recognised at a national level. We are all about raising awareness of the problems faced by young people, challenging negative perceptions and generating opportunities for young people to make the most of their lives. In a nut shell, we show the positive, rather than the negative impact that young people have in their community.”

“What is unique about us is that the training, research and consultancy we offer are all young person-led. We currently employ five young people aged 16-23 on a full and part-time basis, who are supported by young volunteers aged 13-21. Most of our young people get involved because they aspire to match the achievements of their peers.  By getting involved, not only are they providing a valuable and unique service to our clients, they are also raising their own personal and academic achievement as the young people we employ are attaining NVQ Level 3 as a minimum.”

Linda Broadhead, OBE, Chair of WMNT Board of Directors, believes that Just 4 Youth’s success lies in creating a culture that values equality. “The work that Just 4 Youth does breaks down barriers and improves the long term safety and security of young people through social inclusion, rather than exclusion.  The team of young people who have won this award are a shining example of how, when you give people the opportunity and support, they can take the lead in making a positive difference to their own lives and the lives of others.  This is essentially, what the work of West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust is all about. Just 4 Youth is being commissioned by an increasing number of organisations locally, regionally and even nationally, and the income this generates employs young people, to contribute to their communities. Their reputation for excellence is wholly deserved so it is fantastic to see it being recognised in this fashion.”