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Aaron Omotosho
Aaron founded and continues to run a project called Help Manchester which encourages young people locally to support day centres that feed and shelter homeless people each day. Recently, Aaron helped a refugee with no friends or family in the UK whom he and a friend met in the library. Acting as a friend, Aaron has given the man invaluable physical and emotional support. The legal advice secured and donations of clothing have been vital. Aaron studies Computing, and has set up a computing project, Console Code for underprivileged young people in North Manchester. Aaron had to pitch his idea to a panel of judges who decided it was worthy of funding
Aaron founded and continues to run a project called Help Manchester which encourages young people locally to support day centres that feed and shelter homeless people each day. Recently, Aaron helped a refugee with no friends or family in the UK whom he and a friend met in the library. Acting as a friend, Aaron has given the man invaluable physical and emotional support. The legal advice secured and donations of clothing have been vital. Aaron studies Computing, and has set up a computing project, Console Code for underprivileged young people in North Manchester. Aaron had to pitch his idea to a panel of judges who decided it was worthy of funding
“Aaron is quite unique as all of this is entirely his own initiative, and he has truly changed people’s lives. Aaron really, genuinely cares about those living in poverty and making their voices heard,” says his college chaplain.
Aaron and his family have struggled at times. But he has nevertheless tirelessly worked to set up Help Manchester to provide support to others. Aaron has been through a lot, and has worked tremendously hard to get to where he is. The struggles he has faced and overcome might explain his determination to succeed in life, and his desire to help others do the same!
Aaron is an incredibly humble young man, and is always genuinely shocked and moved when his efforts are recognised and praised. It is testament to Aaron’s character that he often does not feel that he is doing anything special, just ‘what anyone would do’. And yet, what he does is not what anyone would do, especially not at 17 and 18 years old, and is, in fact something very special. Most people will never know how generous, compassionate and loving Aaron is and has been, but this award would shed some light on his fantastic work.
Aaron Omotosho,18
Loreto College, Manchester (Diocese of Salford)
Carmel Keane
Carmel has been ministering to the young people of Coventry for nearly 20 years, welcoming up to 45 young people a week. Beyond the weekly volunteering, she leads young people to Lourdes and World Youth Day. Social Action is also close to her heart: She takes aid young adults to the refugee camp in Calais. She organises trips to the food bank and homeless shelter, and delivers Christmas cards with young people to the elderly and sick in the parish. Carmel is there for her young people. She supported young people through depression, attempted suicide, and criminal behaviour. She has accompanied them to police stations when they make mistakes and she’s at their school play when they have a starring role.
Carmel has been ministering to the young people of Coventry for nearly 20 years, welcoming up to 45 young people a week. Beyond the weekly volunteering, she leads young people to Lourdes and World Youth Day. Social Action is also close to her heart: She takes aid young adults to the refugee camp in Calais. She organises trips to the food bank and homeless shelter, and delivers Christmas cards with young people to the elderly and sick in the parish. Carmel is there for her young people. She supported young people through depression, attempted suicide, and criminal behaviour. She has accompanied them to police stations when they make mistakes and she’s at their school play when they have a starring role.
Those who nominated her said, “It would mean the world to Carmel to win this Award! She volunteers so many hours of every day. She sees the face of Christ in every young person and ministers to them accordingly. This award gives us a chance to show her just how deeply she is loved and valued for the tireless work she does. Youth leaders can often be taken for granted, all the conversation with parents, the grumpy teenager, the 'no shows' the cold and dark nights - Carmel is there for all of it. It is wonderful to be able to recognise this ambassador for her parish, this role model of living the Gospel.”
Carmel Keane, Coventry (Archdiocese of Birmingham)
Jacinta Villabolos-Finigan
Jacinta has come a long way since her childhood in an orphanage in China. She is passionate about improving the lives of others. Jacinta has been instrumental in transforming the mindset of her peers over the years.
Jacinta has come a long way since her childhood in an orphanage in China. She is passionate about improving the lives of others. Jacinta has been instrumental in transforming the mindset of her peers over the years. She appealed to fellow pupils to imagine what it would be like to feel true hunger and have no home to go to. Jacinta is a hugely talented campaigner and fundraiser, using experiences and empathy to challenge those she reaches out to. Her teacher says, “Achieving this award would recognise the wonderful work that Jacinta has done both in school and beyond.”
Jacinta Villabolos-Finigan, 20
Priory School, Archdiocese of Birmingham
Chaplaincy Team
The students are deeply committed to and involved with students who are struggling. As well as being a regular presence around the school, they give up their lunch breaks to set-up an ‘open door’ for students who just wish to to talk with someone.
The students are deeply committed to and involved with students who are struggling. As well as being a regular presence around the school, they give up their lunch breaks to set-up an ‘open door’ for students who just wish to to talk with someone. The group led their school’s response to the Grenfell Tower Disaster. They consistently engage the school in the local community. They also work with the Mental Health and anti-bullying teams. “The students would be delighted to know that they have been considered, let alone nominated,” says their Chaplain.
Sore Ogunmoyero, 15, Rachel Fadare, 15, Naiya Adrien, 15, Caitlin Ochana, 15
The Douay Martyrs Catholic School, Ickenham, Archdiocese of Westminster
St Edwards Youth Catholic Council
The Youth Catholic Council of St Edward’s parish have thrown a spotlight on the issue of rough sleeping. The group started as a few young people trying to highlight the needs of the homeless and rough sleepers to the parish.
The Youth Catholic Council of St Edward’s parish have thrown a spotlight on the issue of rough sleeping. The group started as a few young people trying to highlight the needs of the homeless and rough sleepers to the parish. The young people stood up in front of the parish week after week asking for the community’s support. The young people had a wealth of empathy and asked how they as young people could change the situation for homeless people. The response from the parish was amazing! One of the parish said, “These young people keep our Catholic community fresh and vibrant.”
St Edwards Youth Catholic Council
St Edwards and St Luke’s Parish, Keymer, West Sussex (Diocese of Arundel and Brighton)
Students from St Gregory's, Harrow
The students at St Gregory's Catholic Science College, Harrow, have been instrumental in supporting 150 guests on Sunday afternoons at Ealing Soup kitchen. The pupils have committed hundreds of hours volunteering their time helping out those who are vulnerable and in need of very fundamental assistance.
The students at St Gregory's Catholic Science College, Harrow, have been instrumental in supporting 150 guests on Sunday afternoons at Ealing Soup kitchen. The pupils have committed hundreds of hours volunteering their time helping out those who are vulnerable and in need of very fundamental assistance. The work is not glamorous or for the faint-hearted. But they give the human touch, meeting, greeting and conversing with the people. Their teacher says that “they represent the very best of their generation and are inspirational leaders”.
Allanah McGrath, 17, Analise Dias, 17, Meley G’Day, 17, Shuell De Sousa, 19
St Gregory's Catholic Science College, Harrow (Archdiocese of Westminster)
Niamh Ross
Niamh has been part of her school’s Faith in Action group for five years, tirelessly attending weekly meetings and supporting events. She is also part of the Lourdes group, joining the fundraising to ensure all the pupils get there.
Niamh has been part of her school’s Faith in Action group for five years, tirelessly attending weekly meetings and supporting events. She is also part of the Lourdes group, joining the fundraising to ensure all the pupils get there. Niamh has planned and helped to run cake sales, petitioned against social injustice and against homophobic bullying, supported events for CAFOD, Good Shepherd, and Christian Aid. “Winning this award would be amazing for Niamh, because she very often puts herself in the background, this award would be so deserving to let her know just how much everyone thinks of her and the vital work she has done for the community,” says her teacher.
Niamh Ross, 16
St Thomas More Catholic High School, Crewe (Diocese of Shrewsbury)
Kelsea Curran
Kelsea is a carer to her mum and younger sister, working hard without any complaint. And Kelsea spends most of her spare time working to help others in her volunteering work in the community.
Kelsea is a carer to her mum and younger sister, working hard without any complaint. And Kelsea spends most of her spare time working to help others in her volunteering work in the community. She works at a local youth centre everyday, supporting her peers and community groups. Kelsea is really motivated to help others - in school, in volunteering work and at home. Her chaplain says, “Kelsea would feel humbled by receiving this award as it would also recognise all the people she works with and what they do in the community. I do not think Kelsea fully recognises how influential her role is in her community as helping others and being involved come very naturally to her.”
Kelsea Curran, 15
Bellerive FCJ Catholic College, Archdiocese of Liverpool
Eco Committee 2016/17
The Eco Committee raise awareness and produce positive environmental outcomes throughout their school. After completing a whole school environmental review, they implemented a large number of initiatives and eco campaigns.
The Eco Committee raise awareness and produce positive environmental outcomes throughout their school. After completing a whole school environmental review, they implemented a large number of initiatives and eco campaigns. The group devised a presentation about conserving energy which was shown to all pupils during lessons. Due to their success, St Gregory’s Eco Group received a personal invitation from the Head of Eco Schools to take part in the very first National Eco Schools Debate - one of only 20 schools. The group hope that this award will serve as encouragement to younger pupils to actively get involved protecting God’s earth.
Sofia Magpuyo, 14, Sebastian Raval, 14, Amelia Sowik, 14, Julia Herman, 14
St Gregory's Catholic Science College, Kenton, (Diocese of Westminster)
Joab Pelling
Joab is passionate about the environment, and leads his school in their work to tread more lightly on the earth. Joab is deaf, and uses his experiences to make others understand their gifts and responsibilities. He also helps students at a local special school to get to grips with their environmental responsibilities too.
Joab is passionate about the environment, and leads his school in their work to tread more lightly on the earth. Joab is deaf, and uses his experiences to make others understand their gifts and responsibilities. He also helps students at a local special school to get to grips with their environmental responsibilities too. Joab is always looking to help with the next initiative. “He is a brilliant, engaging, inspirational yet modest young man, fully deserving of any accolades. What impresses me most is how sincere, enthusiastic and resilient he is,” says his teacher.
Joab Pelling 13
St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Newport, Wales (Archdiocese of Cardiff)
Matthew Gowens
As an active member of our Eco Group, Matthew has planted hundreds of trees around Fleetwood. Matthew recently helped to plant an orchard at school to save the local bee population.
As an active member of our Eco Group, Matthew has planted hundreds of trees around Fleetwood. Matthew recently helped to plant an orchard at school to save the local bee population. Matthew works with students from Kenya to raise awareness of the problems of climate change on communities. Matthew’s environmental efforts have recently helped his school be awarded a rare 7th Green Flag, one of very few schools nationally to achieve this. Between his campaigns he regularly works on the maintenance of the school allotment and woodland after school. Matthew gives up his time freely and has never expects reward.
“Matthew very much deserves this award for his hard work, commitment and enthusiasm giving freely of his own time,” says his teacher.
Matthew Gowens, 15
Cardinal Allen Catholic High School, Fleetwood (Diocese of Lancaster)
Just.Is
Hannah and Zoe have shown huge zeal, promoting peace and solidarity amongst young people in Newcastle for over 5 years. Each week they meet with a group of around 30 students - from different religions and backgrounds - to think about how to promote peace and solidarity. The organised a recent conference on welcoming refugees.
Hannah and Zoe have shown huge zeal, promoting peace and solidarity amongst young people in Newcastle for over 5 years. Each week they meet with a group of around 30 students - from different religions and backgrounds - to think about how to promote peace and solidarity. The organised a recent conference on welcoming refugees. They both love working with the group because it brings the school community together with such a positive message.
Just.Is
Hannah Rai, 17, Zoe Ray, 17
St Mary's Catholic School, Newcastle upon Tyne (Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle)
Ella Holliday
Ella is currently the youngest member of the 'Young Peace Journalists'. Ella chose the refugee crisis as her focus and built her own links with various agencies to make contact with refugees. Ella has a natural presence of a peacemaker, she is confident yet full of humility, a young lady mature beyond her years.
Ella is currently the youngest member of the 'Young Peace Journalists'. Ella chose the refugee crisis as her focus and built her own links with various agencies to make contact with refugees. Ella has a natural presence of a peacemaker, she is confident yet full of humility, a young lady mature beyond her years. Within that work and her work as a Anti-Bullying Respect Ambassador she witnesses to and communicates the gospel message. “Ella is an inspiration, she lives out the Gospel values each day; her presence and maturity of faith in action is beyond her years,” says her teacher.
Ella Holliday, 13
St Bede's Catholic High School, Lytham (Diocese of Lancaster)
Anna Chapman
Anna is a Peer Mentor for year 7 students with behaviour issues and secondary school transitions. She supports the younger students who have anger problems or just need someone to listen.
Anna is a Peer Mentor for year 7 students with behaviour issues and secondary school transitions. She supports the younger students who have anger problems or just need someone to listen. She gives them strategies so when at home, or out, they can control their anger. She hates any violence or bullying. “Anna likes to support people who may have issues or problems. She is a great listener and very conscientious she hates any violence anger or just bad behaviour.” Chaplain
Anna Chapman, 17
St Anselms Catholic School Canterbury Kent, Ashford (Archdiocese of Southwark)
Jonathan Wright
Jonathan has always strived to uphold the dignity of his fellow students and committed to helping others know that they can make a difference. He is a dedicated campaigner, raising awareness of youth mental health issues as well as building youth involvement in democracy.
Jonathan has always strived to uphold the dignity of his fellow students and committed to helping others know that they can make a difference. He is a dedicated campaigner, raising awareness of youth mental health issues as well as building youth involvement in democracy. He helped young people of Bolton realise they can be part of the solution to the challenges of job opportunities and poverty. Humour is key to Jonathan’s work - he even compered an annual charity concert from inside a recycling bin! His teacher says, “Jonathan is a real role model in every sense of the word. His leadership has encouraged many others to get involved.”
Jonathan Wright, 17
Thornleigh Salesian College (Diocese of Salford)
St Vincent’s Young Adult Group
Lucien and Georges work quietly and humbly in the background, standing up for the rights and justice of their fellow young people. They reach out and befriend other young adults in their deprived inner city area of Birmingham.
Lucien and Georges work quietly and humbly in the background, standing up for the rights and justice of their fellow young people. They reach out and befriend other young adults in their deprived inner city area of Birmingham. The group they founded now hosts between 25 and 30 young people in the local church centre. Because of the care and support they receive the young people are growing in faith and social action. Their Parish Sister says “Lucien and Georges, are natural leaders. They act as the leaven in their local community… and their sense of humour is infectious!”
St Vincent’s Young Adult Group (Lucien Nzabandora, 23 and Georges Wisoba, 22)
St Joseph's and St Vincent's Parishes Nechells (Archdiocese of Birmingham)
YCW Group - Billingham
The young people at St Thomas of Canterbury YCW Group have real zeal for social justice and promoting the dignity of others. They represent the voice of young people on the Parish Council and are supporting the local primary school in a social action campaign.
The young people at St Thomas of Canterbury YCW Group have real zeal for social justice and promoting the dignity of others. They represent the voice of young people on the Parish Council and are supporting the local primary school in a social action campaign. They recently helped gather local councillors, MPs and those standing for office, inviting young people and the local community to the debate and put questions to them.
Callum Walker, 17, Thomas Nimmo, 17, Ben Williamson, 20, Tarah Swainston, 23
St Thomas of Canterbury Parish, Billingham (Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle)
St Greg's Young Carer Ambassadors
Adam and Angel are ‘unsung heroes’. They have significant caring roles in their own families but use their experiences to promote the needs of other young carers by mentoring, raising awareness, advising the local NHS, and lobbying MPs.
Adam and Angel are ‘unsung heroes’. They have significant caring roles in their own families but use their experiences to promote the needs of other young carers by mentoring, raising awareness, advising the local NHS, and lobbying MPs. Their chaplain says, “We appreciate the way that they truly live out the Gospel values of compassion”
St Greg's Young Carer Ambassadors (Adam Berry, 16, Angel Wanjiru, 16)
St Gregory The Great, Oxford (Archdiocese of Birmingham)
Alex Griffiths
Since he was nine years old Alex has spent five hours a day caring for his mum, nan and granddad by cooking meals, cleaning, changing dressings and more. He spends his limited spare time raising awareness of other young carers, for example by organising a Young Carers Week in his college.
Since he was nine years old Alex has spent five hours a day caring for his mum, nan and granddad by cooking meals, cleaning, changing dressings and more. He spends his limited spare time raising awareness of other young carers, for example by organising a Young Carers Week in his college. His school chaplain says, “He is a perfect example of a teen hero: putting the needs of others above himself to celebrate human dignity. We are proud to know him.”
Alex Griffiths 17
Bishop Milner Catholic College, Dudley (Archdiocese of Birmingham)
Ethan Suppaya
Ethan is 13 and his physical challenges haven’t deterred him from helping others. Ethan's social action and extraordinary commitment helped raise awareness of the plight of refugee families in London.
Ethan is 13 and his physical challenges haven’t deterred him from helping others. Ethan's social action and extraordinary commitment helped raise awareness of the plight of refugee families in London. Basketball crazy, he decided to organise a basketball match to support local refugees and migrants. When asked by a teacher why he got involved, “he said it touched a nerve with him and he felt he had to try and help”.
Ethan Suppaya, 13
St Bonaventure's, Forest Gate (Brentwood diocese)