The Philip Lawrence Awards were set up in memory of Head teacher Philip Lawrence who was killed outside his school in 1995 after going to the aid of a pupil who was being attacked by a gang.
Philip believed in the huge potential of young people to make a difference and to achieve great things.
His widow, Frances Lawrence, continues Philip’s legacy by championing young people and their achievements. She campaigned to establish the Philip Lawrence Awards and in 1997 Rt Hon Michael Howard, the then Home Secretary funded the first Philip Lawrence Awards. They have run each year since then with the support from the Home Office. This year The Department for Children, Schools and Families are also funding the Awards.
PLAnet, the Philip Lawrence Awards Network, was launched in December 2009, intended to bring a new dimension to the awards and to give young people more opportunitues to get involved. We want to show everyone just how many groups of young people are doing extraordinary things for their communities: leading the way, crossing divides, building bridges between young people and adults, and making their communities stronger and safer.
The Philip Lawrence Awards always have young people at their heart and PLAnet is a showcase for their achievements.
The Philip Lawrence Awards Network is managed by Catch22.
Partners
Home Office
Working together to protect the public is at the heart of what the Home Office does. Giving people the security and confidence to be active citizens, contributing to the success of their neighborhoods, and wider society. This is why the Home Office support PLAnet. They recognise and work with young people who are active in their community and who make a real difference.
“PLAnet not only provides an opportunity for public recognition, it also importantly gives young people a voice. The achievements we are celebrating today are truly impressive. I congratulate PLAnet and the young people they support and wish them every success for the future.”
Rt Hon Alan Johnson, Home Secretary
www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Department for Children, Schools and Families
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), created in June 2007, aims to make this the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up. The DCSF leads the whole network of people who work with or for children and young people. We put the needs and views of families, children and young people at the centre of everything we do.
“I congratulate all the winners of this year's Philip Lawrence Awards for such fantastic work in their local communities. The range of projects showcased this year reflects the talent, dedication and creativity of young people in this country. The projects demonstrate how young people are helping to break down barriers between groups in their communities. Their contribution to the wider community is also helping them to develop new skills and gain confidence. We should all be proud of today's winners."
Rt Hon Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, School and Families
www.dcsf.gov.uk
Catch22
Catch22 is a national charity that works with young people who face tough situations in their lives. We believe every young person deserves the chance to get on in life no matter what they have done or how long it takes. We encourage, guide, challenge and care about them. With over 200 years of experience, our staff and volunteers make a difference by giving young people the opportunities to learn, earn a living, have a safe place to live, steer clear of crime and give something back.
“The Philip Lawrence Awards combine a concern for community safety with a vision for recognising the positive things young people can do. At Catch22 we believe every young person deserves the chance to get on in life no matter what. This same belief inspired the creation of the Philip Lawrence Awards as a beacon for celebrating young people’s achievements in their communities.”
Joyce Moseley, Chief Executive of Catch22
Registered charity number 1124127.
www.catch-22.org.uk
Supporters
NASUWT
The NASUWT is a trade union representing teachers throughout the UK.
www.nasuwt.org.uk
Children and Young People Now
Children Now and Young People Now publish a magazine and website covering all issues facing children and young people aged 0 – 19 years. They bring together children's and youth professionals across health, social care, education, childcare, youth work, youth justice and advice & guidance for young people.
www.cypnow.co.uk
