2015 has been an extremely busy year for Nutmeg Volunteers – this year alone we have had over 200 young people taking part in our volunteering schemes. They’ve been involved in a range of projects, whether they’ve been assisting the elderly with technology or mentoring a student at school, all our volunteers have made a great contribution to their community. With the end of the year approaching, we decided it was time to recognise our volunteer’s achievements and to award those who have made an outstanding contribution. The awards evening took place at Hendon town hall on the 10th December
The first award was to recognise the winners of the Nutmeg Young Journalist Competition, sponsored by Hendon Rotary Club. The theme of the competition was Unity in the Communtiy.
The 11 – 15 category winner was Eliana Sebastian of Hasmonean School. Read her entry here.
The 16 – 19 category winner was Zara Ramtohul-Akbur of Henrietta Barnet School. Read her entry here.
We would also like to recognise runners up Helen Solomon and Rebecca Clark, for their highly commended entries.
We would like to thank Hendon Rotary club for sponsoring the Nutmeg Young Journalist competition.
Our Outstanding Community Reporter award went to Aimee Edwards of London Academy School, for her contribution to group sessions and commitment to the programme. Gary Copitch from the Institute of Community Reporters presented the award.
Our Outstanding Peer Mentor award went to Sharmarke Dhaqane, of Hendon school, for being a positive role model to his peers and continually championing the mentoring scheme.
Our Outstanding Youth Action Team member was awarded to Sandra Abeysinghe of Whitefields school. Sandra has been a committed members of the Youth Action Team since it launched in January, and was previously and strong member of the Peer Mentor scheme.
We also wanted to recognise those who have supported our work over the past year.
Our Partner of the Year award went to Barnet Homes for their continued support and mentoring. Barnet Homes have played an integral part in the development of Nutmeg and have helped us become the organisation we are today.
Our Community Impact award went to the Metropolitan Police for their contribution to our E2G events and for the impact they have made in the community. The Edgware Safter Neighbourhood Team have worked relentlessly to break down the barriers between youths and the Police and thus have allowed Nutmeg to work more effectively and in Partnership with the team
Finally the main award of the evening. The Nutmeg Young Leader Award. This award recognises a volunteer who, as well as becoming an active member of the community, has also proven to be able to motivate and inspire their peers.
The Nutmeg Young Leader 2015 is Kusai Rahal, previously of London Academy school, now studying Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University. Kusai also gave a great speech that you can read here.
We’d like to thank all our volunteers for their incredible and inspiring contribution over the year, we can’t wait to see what you’ll all do in 2016!
