The Youth Achievement Awards 2024

The youth achievement awards celebrate young people in Tower Hamlets. We will honour those who have shown commitment, growth and passion in overcoming challenges in recent years.

Tips for nomination

All nominations must use the official form. Each person can nominate only once so choose the category wisely. Make sure it is the most relevant to the individual you are nominating. You can only tick one category per form.

You must complete the application form and your reasons for nomination. Please include as much background and detail as possible about the person's worthiness. Self-nominations are not allowed. If you have pictures, videos, work examples or a supporting statement, include them. CVs are not accepted as evidence.

Who can nominate?

Any adult can nominate as well as those working with young people including:

  • teachers
  • youth workers
  • support workers
  • mentors
  • social workers

Please state the relationship with the nominee. Students/ young people cannot nominate each other but they can suggest candidates to staff.

Who can be nominated?

All nominees must either live, work or study in the borough, or use its youth service. They must be aged 11 to 19 or up to 25 if they have a disability or learning difficulty.

Judging criteria

The criteria are listed under each category. The judging panel will be looking for examples of progression, effort and achievement.

Nominations will be judged on how far the individual(s) have come in using an opportunity to improve themselves.

The judges want to see the level of commitment to their work.

They will look for ways they have helped others. They will also check for how they overcame difficulties or shared their experiences to benefit someone or a group.

We get dozens of nominations each year. So, the judges will look for examples of outstanding achievement and effort.

How to submit a nomination

Complete the form or request one from khadra.said@towerhamlets.gov.uk. The submission deadline is Sunday 10 November 2024.  

The judging panel retain the right to disqualify incomplete applications.

Award categories

Individual and group awards

Award categories
Category Description 

1.  Young Entrepreneur of the Year

This award is presented to a person who has set up a business / businesses taking risks in the hope of gaining social or financial benefits for themselves or their communities.

2. Young Volunteer Award 

This award is presented to someone who has shown high and long-term commitment to improve their community. They have shown active involvement in schools, places of work, community centres, etc. 

3. Youth Arts Award – Individual 

This award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment in any form to the creative arts such as creative writing, music, videography, performing arts and visual arts. 

4. Youth Sports Award – Individual 

This award is presented to anyone involved in a variety of sports both competitive and non-competitive. The individual must have beaten the odds when it comes to the chosen sport, have made major progress and shown high commitment to their sport. 

5. Breaking Barriers Award 

This award is presented to someone who has overcome huge difficulties and barriers. This young person perhaps isn’t in education, training or employment but has still found ways to excel.  Also, for young people with SEND breaking away from stereotypes. This person has also shown to everyone that SEND students are no different to others and that they show immense mental strength to achieve their respective goals. This award can also be for Young Carers, kids in care as well as leave in care.  

6. Above and Beyond Award 

This award goes to the person who has demonstrated exceptional courage in conquering their fears as well as typical stereotypes. This person has gone above and beyond to stand up and be counted by never shying away from many challenges. Some examples include taking part in public speaking, community outreach work and being a role model to others. This person has undoubtedly shown that there should be no barriers in life and you must keep striving and attaining excellence however big or small.  

7. Young Achiever of the Year Award 

This award is for the young person who has made great personal break through and exceptional achievements in the borough. Through hard work, commitment and dedication. This award recognises that the winner has strived to improve themselves and those around them. 

8. Young Inspirational leader

This award goes to a young person, who has made a significant impact of social justice and created a domino effect of positive change in their community. By using their agency to influence the mentalities of those around them to break stigmas of their peers.

Group awards

These award categories can be used to nominate a group only

Group awards
Category Description 

9. Youth Arts Award - Group

This award is presented to a group who have shown commitment to the creative arts such creative writing, music, videography, performing arts and visual arts.

10. Youth Sports Award - Group

This award goes to a group of individuals excelling in their sport. This group shows great commitment and a group that works well as a team.