Please note that the awards ceremoney will now be held on the 11th of September 2009, and not on the 10th of July. We apologise unreservedly for any inconvenience caused. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you need further information.

What is the ‘I make a difference’ campaign?

‘I make a difference’ is a campaign which asks all those who live, work or go to school in Waltham Forest to nominate young people who make a difference to the community and the lives of others.

The campaign aims to particularly recognise young people whose achievements and contributions might not be recognised by traditional awards. It will be run by the Children’s Commissioner in Waltham Forest and a group of young people.

 

Why are we running the campaign?

We are running the ‘I make a difference’ campaign because we believe that young people who are doing something amazing in Waltham Forest deserve to be recognised.

We want to challenge the negative images of young people that we see every day in the media. We want everyone in the borough to see that young people should and can be talked about for all the right reasons.

 

Who can nominate a young person?

Anyone. If you are a friend, relative, youth worker, social worker, health visitor, religious community leader or teacher, it doesn’t matter – if you know a young person who makes a real difference in the local community, you can nominate them. You can even nominate yourself.

 

Who counts as a Waltham Forest young person?

A young person is anyone aged 0-19 who lives or goes to school in Waltham Forest. This extends up to 25 for children and young people with disabilities.

We want to make sure young people are nominated across the borough, from Leyton, Leytonstone, Walthamstow and Chingford.

 

How do I enter?

There is a simple nomination form for you to fill in. You can fill it in online here or freepost nomination forms will be available to complete from various places such as youth centres and youth groups.

 

Can I enter more than one young person?

Yes. Many groups work with more than one young person who deserves to be recognised.

 

Can I nominate a group of young people?

Yes. We want to recognise the positive contribution that groups and individuals make.

 

What sorts of things can I nominate a young person for?

You can nominate any young person who lives or goes to school in the borough and makes a difference to their community or to the lives of others. There are no set categories.

Do you know a young person who ...

Recognise them, nominate them.

 

When is the closing date?

The closing date is 30th April 2009. We will be looking at forms as they come in so please send in your entry as early as possible.

 

How will the winners be chosen?

First stage

A selection panel will choose the young people who will be put forward for the final awards. The selection panel will be made up of Ann Tennant, Children’s Commissioner in Waltham Forest, four young people and someone who works for the council’s Children and Young People Service.

The selection panel will meet every month from January to April 2009. They will then hand over to the executive committee.

Second stage

An executive committee will choose the final 10 young people who will receive an award for I make a difference. The executive committee will be made up of Councillors from across the different political parties, people who work for the council’s Children and Young People Services and some young people. This will happen by 15th June 2009.

In choosing the winners, we will be looking at:

 

What happens to the winners?

There will be a celebration for all winners on the evening of 10th July 2009, when they will receive an award and prize. Young people will be given the opportunity to take part in promoting the next I make a difference campaign in the borough.