Young volunteers recognised by Whitbread Awards
Four young volunteers who have made a real difference to their community, the environment, sport or the arts have been awarded the 2004 Whitbread Young Achievers Awards.
The awards, run in partnership with the Home Office Active Community Unit recognise and celebrate exceptional, and often unsung, achievements by young volunteers nationwide, aged between 16 and 25.
The winners were:
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- Mohammed Mamdani, 21, from Wembley, who has set up a freefone helpline for young British Muslims, initially from his bedroom. He took the Whitbread Young Community Achiever award sponsored by the Home Office Active Community Unit (ACU) and Costa. Mohammed also wins a day shadowing Fiona Mactaggart, Minister for Community.
- Kirsty Munro, 21, from Leicester, who set up drama workshops for the homeless while she studied drama at Birmingham University. She took the Whitbread Young Arts Achiever supported by TGI Friday’s and the RSA. Kirsty also wins a behind the scenes visit to a West End play.
- Emma Stones, 17, from Stockport, who won the environment award for campaigning to protect her local park when its play area was threatened, and for raising funds to provide more facilities for young people. The Young Environment Achiever award is supported by Marriott Hotels and Groundwork. Emma also wins a day with broadcaster and journalist, Vivienne Parry, working on a science programme for BBC Radio 4.
- Robbie Paulin, 18, from Inverness, was named the Whitbread Young Sports Achiever for his passion and determination to spread American football across the highlands of Scotland. His award is supported by David Lloyd Leisure and Sport England. Robbie also wins a placement with an NFL European league American Football team.
The total prize fund for the Young Achievers awards scheme exceeds £10,000, but the organisers believe that the 12-month support programme offered to both winners and runners up is of greater value.