Former award winners are calling on other groups of young people to put themselves in the running for the 2010 Philip Lawrence Awards.

Young people from the Fawcett Youth Group in Hackney, 2009 winners, last week were visited by Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, and told him about their project and what winning an award had meant to them.

They talked about the local issues that had been the subject of their two films, buildling links with the police and community in the process, and talked with excitement and pride about how it felt to be recognised for their work. Group member Leah said, “It was an honour to win the award because we achieved something and finally got our voice across”.

We know that up and down the country there are fantastic young people like those in the Fawcett Youth Group, who have energy, ideas and a passion to make things better. Young people are making a positive contribution in their local communities, challenging negative stereotypes and countering crime, violence, bullying and racism. We want to hear about them!

Visit our awards page now to find out more and to nominate yourself or a group you know.