YAFTA Awards Recognise More Inspirational Young People

Young people from the Newry, Mourne and Down District area gathered to celebrate the Youth and Future Talent Achievement Awards (YAFTAs) in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, on Thursday 22 March.  

The Awards evening was organised by the Down Youth Forum in partnership with the Newry Youth Forum and was also supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Education Authority. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “The YAFTAs are an excellent platform to acknowledge and reward the talent and achievements of our district’s most inspirational young people.  The event helps us showcase the talent and good will of young people from our area in a positive light and gives other young people something to aspire to achieve.

Cllr Mulgrew continued, “Choosing a winner was extremely difficult as over 70 excellent nominations were received in a variety of categories including Young Carer; Good Relations; Inspirational Young Person; Voice of Young People; Community Safety; Innovation and finally Inclusion. I would like to thank all the sponsors for their support in each category including Phoenix Natural Gas, Specsavers Newry, Downpatrick Football Club, County Down Rural Community Network, Flying Horse Ward Community Forum and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership.”

Education Authority Youth Officer, Esther Millar said, “The YAFTA Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and reward the selfless and creative efforts of young people as they better the lives of the people around them and promotes a very positive awareness around young people’s contribution in the local community. The commitment of both of the Youth Council groups to work collaboratively to facilitate the YAFTA event has been tremendous.”

If you require any further information regarding the Awards Evening or future YAFTAs please contact Katrina Hynds, Downpatrick DEA Co-Ordinator at katrina.hynds@nmandd.org or 078 0383 2512.