Newark's Darren Yemm named as Newark and Sherwood's district winner of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Award

Young people who have overcome severe health challenges, supported others and achieved great things will be among those recognised at a prestigious youth awards evening later this month.

A super seven of young people from across the county have been named as the district winners of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Award for 2018.

Among them is Newark and Sherwood winner Darren Yemm, 20, from Newark, who is said to be a fantastic ambassador for children in care to show what they are capable of achieving.

Nottinghamshire County Council leader Kay Cutts, chairman Sue Saddington and Tracey Taylor, vice-chairman of the children and young people’s committee, will join around 100 guests for the annual final at County Hall, on Friday, October 26.

The 4Uth awards are a county council initiative to celebrate the achievements of young people across the county.

District winners will be celebrated on the night and the overall county-wide winner will also be announced.

Family and friends of each of the finalists and members of the youth service will be also be in attendance as videos charting the inspirational stories of all seven young people are showcased.

Darren was jointly nominated by Emma Betteridge and Debbie Swanwick, youth workers with the county council’s youth engagement team.

Emma said: “Darren has made an outstanding contribution to the Children in Care Council, the UK Youth Parliament, his involvement as chairman of the No Labels group and his local district youth forum in Newark and Sherwood, all of which have been achieved whilst he has coped with various obstacles.

"Darren has been in the care system for most of his life and been separated from his family and siblings.

"For the past few years Darren has been a care leaver which has meant learning to live by himself, developing new skills such as budgeting and attending college. At the same time he has been committed to a number of projects.

“As a member of the Children in Care Council for eight years Darren has taken every opportunity to speak up and be a voice for his peers.

"He has worked hard to improve and develop services such as health care, mental health and fostering.

"He has represented young people at the highest level by chairing No Labels meetings and has attended countless consultation and project days."

In June Darren helped coordinate a regional Children in Care Council meeting which was attended by Anne Longshaw, Children’s Commissioner for England, with representatives from seven regions in the East Midlands.

The aim of the day was to develop a coordinated regional pledge to Children in Care.

He has also for many years supported the Looked After Child Achievement Day for the virtual school by speaking onstage and introducing guests.

"This year he supported other young people to take on this role and passed on his skills. Recently Darren delivered participation training to front line staff in young people’s services.

Deb said: “Darren has also been involved in supporting fellow Members of the UK Youth Parliament and been a keen campaigner in his locality by developing LGBT+ projects.

"All of this has been achieved through his own determination and self-motivation.

"Darren recently received confirmation of a place at university, (currently only 0.2% of care leavers go on to higher education)."

Darren is now studying in the first year of a BA (Hons) Interactive Design course at Lincoln University.

He said: “I was very surprised to be nominated for the 4Uth awards and very happy to have been named as a district winner. I am still very much in touch with youth and care issues in Nottinghamshire as I am a member of the Children and Care Council which meets a number of times a year. I am very proud of this achievement.”

Deb concluded: “Despite personal struggles Darren has inspired other children in care to get involved and truly deserves this nomination. He is an amazing and special young man who has created a legacy of care and commitment and we wish him every success in future.”

Mrs Saddington said: “Our finalists can be very proud of their achievements.

“This year they have been selected as the leading nominee within their district following the judging process in which there were many worthy candidates."