Photos from Young Achievers Awards 2012

David Cameron opens his doors to Young Achievers

Winners of this year’s Young Achievers Awards got to tour the UK’s most famous address on 19th March as they were invited behind the scenes of 10 Downing Street – before receiving their awards at a ceremony in the State Rooms at the Speaker’s House in the Palace of Westminster.

The winners, aged between 16 and 25, have all been recognised by a panel of young people and expert advisors for having made outstanding contributions in volunteering.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I congratulate the winners of the Young Achievers Awards on their outstanding achievements. These young people are an example to us all and show what can be achieved through volunteering.

"I am delighted to have been able to open the doors of Downing Street to them. The value of volunteering, and the positive impact it can have on both communities and individuals, should not be underestimated."

Transport to Number 10 was kindly provided by Addison Lee for the Young Achievers Award winners: Georgina Curtis, Olivia Furber, Rose Collins, Adam Elsondaney, Tom Minchington, Vicki Taylor, Luke Lancaster and Matt Smith.

Accompanying the winners behind the famous black door were Peter Ptashko, chair of the Young Achievers Trust and Tom Callow, member of the board of trustees.

Introducing our 20 to 25 Community winner - Matt Smith!

Matt has been involved in running a youth club in his community in Liverpool for many years, having benefited from its services himself. He has raised over £25,000 for the club, giving young people access to opportunities they would not otherwise have had, from learning a musical instrument to going away camping. On top of studying full-time for a university degree, Matt is also a carer, looking after his mum and younger brother. He has also set up a social enterprise that gives its profits back to the community.

Matt’s project had great local impact and he showed an incredibly strategic attitude, with his hands on approach particularly impressing the judges. He has empowered young people and his volunteering has had a big impact on his community.

Congratulations Matt!

Meet our Community runners-up Ben and Nashmill!

16-19 Runner-up - Ben Sneesby

Last year, Ben became the first Young Wheelchair Skills Trainer for Back Up, a national charity that helps rebuild lives following a devastating spinal cord injury, through a range of services that improve confidence and independence. Ben was born with a tumour on his spinal cord and became involved with Back Up when he was 10 years old. He decided he wanted to give something back to the charity that helped him and, since completing his training, Ben has helped teach vital wheelchair skills to around 20 young people with spinal cord injuries.

Ben has shown incredible confidence, determination, patience and excellent communication skills in helping other young people. He has not let anything hold him back and has been an exceptional role model, not just within Back Up, but to other organisations in the sector.

20-25 Runner-up - Nashmill Motazedi

Nashmill came to the UK from Iran and since then has volunteered with Victim Support in Nottingham visiting victims of crime, providing emotional support and practical advice. She has demonstrated amazing abilities to listen, reassure and help those around her. She is studying law and has also become qualified to support victims of sexual violence.

Nashmill is an awe-inspiring young woman who has clearly had an amazing personal journey. The judges were very impressed at how she used the opportunity she had to make a huge contribution and ensured that others received benefit from her experience. Nashmill embodies the very spirit of the Young Achievers Awards.

Introducing our 16 to 19 Community winner - Luke Lancaster!

Luke has been involved in developing accredited educational programmes to provide skills to young people, many of whom are vulnerable, disengaged and disadvantaged. He has his own charity, Young Pioneers, which runs initiatives across the UK and its ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’ programme is going to be run around the world. Luke won an award in the USA for his work here in the UK, particularly relating to the Stay Safe programme that he started as a result of being bullied at school – an issue on which he has engaged with the British government.

Luke got involved in an important and topical issue and the judges found it admirable that he had managed to achieve so much at a young age, showing his determination to create change and make a real impact in the community.

Congratulations Luke!