Young people have joined forces with the Children’s Minister Tim Loughton MP and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald, to ask the public to nominate local groups of young people doing great things in their community for the Philip Lawrence Awards 2010 in time for the closing date on 15th September.

As the deadline for nominations draws close, the PLAnet youth fellowship launched a campaign Who Am I? which aims to challenge negative stereotypes of young people in society. Tim Loughton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, welcomed the PLAnet fellowship and supported the call for nominations to the 2010 Awards.

Children’s Minister Tim Loughton said:

Too often the hard work of young people goes unnoticed as we choose to focus on the minority who hit the headlines for negative reasons. Awards like these celebrate the positive difference that young people can make in communities across the country. I hope more projects come forward before the nominations window closes to highlight the great work the vast majority of young people are doing and to make sure it is appreciated by the widest audience.

Frances Lawrence said:

I am truly inspired by young people and their passion to make a real difference in their community. As a society, we are in danger of losing sight of the good in young people and their capacity for doing great things. The Awards are a great way to recognise their positive contribution in local communities.

Broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald said:

I am proud to have been part of the Philip Lawrence Awards since it started in 1997. Every year we are amazed by the determination of so many young people to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. They share a common purpose, to make their communities a better place.

PLAnet ambassador Jawad Shah, 20, from Blackburn, who won an award in 2007, called on other young people to get involved, saying

It’s easy to sit back and complain about what’s wrong, but it’s so much more satisfying to go out and do something about it and to realise what a difference you can make. Winning an award was so valuable to my project, giving us a platform that meant we could make a bigger difference, and for me the opportunity to make new friends from all over the country.

The PLAnet fellowship and ambassadors are part of an extended network of former award winners from all over the UK who help run the Philip Lawrence Awards. PLAnet promotes the positive contribution and portrayal of young people. The Awards are open to young people aged 11-20 who are taking a lead and making a difference to their communities, inspiring others – and having fun!

To be in with a chance of winning an award for your group, along with £1000 towards your project and an invite to the awards ceremony in December visit fill in the simple online nomination form, or download a form to complete and post or email.

You can find out about the judging process, and read our youth judging panels’ top tips for your nomination.

But don’t delay – the closing date is next Wednesday!

Download this press release in our media section.