Youth Council Launch Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) for 2016

On Thursday 14 January young people from the Newry and Mourne Youth Council and Down Youth Council (Education Authority) attended the Shannaghmore Outdoor Education Centre in Newcastle to officially launch the third annual Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) for the Newry, Mourne and Down district area.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council works in partnership with the Youth Councils to help ensure the awards reach young people across the district. These awards were created to highlight the ‘unsung heroes’ throughout the district who do not normally receive recognition for the contribution they make to their families, others, their schools and in the wider community.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane said, “The YAFTA’s have been instrumental in helping us to recognise the exceptional contribution young people have made. This year’s nominees will come from across the new district area and we welcome the Youth Councils commitment to working in partnership with us to make this a district wide initiative”.

The YAFTAs are awarded in six categories: Good Relations, Voice of Young People, Innovation & Creativity, Community Safety, Young Carer and Inspirational Young Person. Nomination forms are now available from the Education Authority and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with a closing date of Thursday 25 February. The event is supported by Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) through Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Good Relations Action Plan.

For further information and nomination forms contact Maureen O’Gorman, Area Youth Worker, Education Authority by telephoning 02830251515 or by email on maureen.o’gorman@eani.org.uk.