Isle of Wight Council is backing a new scheme created by the Isle of Wight High Sheriff that celebrates the successes of young people. 

The High Sheriff chairs the Island’s Youth Inclusion Forum, which is a multi agency group that includes the Hampshire Constabulary, Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, the NHS, Isle of Wight Council’s Children and Young People Services and Community Safety Service and the voluntary sector.

Through the forum, the High Sheriff has created a certificate which can be awarded to any young person who has overcome significant difficulties in his or her life or has participated in an activity that has had a positive impact on him or herself, or on others. The certificate has been created to promote what young people can and do achieve, celebrating their success with their schools, families and with other young people.

Gay Edwards, the Isle of Wight High Sheriff said

“In my time as Chair of the Youth Inclusion Forum I have been very impressed by what young people can achieve with the support from agencies around the table working together.

“This certificate is all about celebrating what young people do achieve, be that for themselves, for others, for something big or small, overcoming a difficulty or rising to a challenge”

Isle of Wight Council cabinet member Dawn Cousins, who is responsible for children, said

“I welcome this scheme from the High Sheriff.

“It is very important the achievements of children who overcome difficulties are recognised and the council is very keen to support this new scheme through its role on the Youth Inclusion Forum”

The nomination form is available at the Hampton Trust website and can be found at www.hamptontrust.org.uk then going to ‘what we do’ then selecting ‘Administration Services’ at the bottom of the page.

The closing date for nomination forms is 19th February 2010. Only entries completed on the nomination form will be included.

Completed forms should be sent to Tara Doel at The Hampton Trust, Fairways House, Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, SO14 0QB. Alternatively, nominations can be made via telephone to 023 8021 3520 or via email to tara.doel@hamptontrust.org.uk

The forum members will then select ten nomination forms and these young people and their guests will be invited to the annual Isle of Wight Council Wight 2B Heard conference for young people on 5 March 2010 to receive their certificates from the High Sheriff.