A Huddersfield youth organisation has won a national award for diversity.
Conscious Youth CIC, a youth-led grassroots social enterprise, beat seven others in the ‘Community Organisation – Age’ category of the 12th annual National Diversity Awards held in Liverpool.
Conscious Youth was set up in 2016 amid a loss of youth services, particularly impacting young people from some of the most deprived and marginalised communities.
Director of operations Sophie Simpson said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award. The team behind Conscious Youth have worked tirelessly to make change happen for young people in our community. To get to celebrate on this scale is a dream come true.”
Sophie explained a little more about Conscious Youth and added: “Our work challenges inequalities and supports young people to become ‘creators’ rather than consumers’ by influencing change and making a positive contribution to their communities.
“We have worked with over 5,000 young people aged 12-24 in education provisions, communities and at The Corner Hub, our new youth facility.
“Our work includes Stepping up and Stepping out, a resilience building programme in schools, targeted initiatives such as Conscious Girls and Conscious Boys, open access youth clubs, Breaking Barriers leadership programme, trauma-informed therapy support, mentorship, social action, events, skills development and training.”
A record-breaking 90,000 people were nominated for this year’s awards with 120 nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide.
Event founder Paul Sesay said: “I never fail to be amazed by the sheer brilliance of our nominees. This evening signifies a melting pot of talent, commitment, community spirit and not a little bravery from across the UK.
“Today we recognise charities and role models and shine a spotlight on their incredible, selfless and tireless contributions to society.”
