YCW members from all over the country were celebrated for their achievements at the recent Million Minutes awards night.
The ceremony saw hundreds of young people, youth workers and teachers, family and friends gathered in London's Leicester Square to celebrate the inspirational lives of so many young people. The 2017 Celebrating Young People Awards, hosted by Million Minutes and with guest of honour Archbishop McMahon, highlighted some of the amazing young people across England and Wales who are transforming lives in their local communities.
There is a special Joseph Cardijn Award for those young people who protect the dignity of workers. There were 3 worthy winners of this award, including Billingham YCW Group. Million Minutes recognised the work of the Group saying: "The young people at St Thomas of Canterbury YCW Group have real zeal for social justice and promoting the dignity of others."
St Anthony's YCW Group in Sunderland were also nominated in this category and had their tremendous work highlighted as an example for other young people to follow.
There was further YCW success in the Jimmy Mizen Award Category, with a YCW member in Lytham called Ella Holliday. She won the award for promoting solidarity and peace.
Ella is currently the youngest member of the 'Young Peace Journalists'. She chose the refugee crisis as her focus and built her own links with various agencies to make contact with refugees. Within that work and her work as a Anti-Bullying Respect Ambassador she witnesses to and communicates the gospel message. Her teacher has said of her: “Ella is an inspiration, she lives out the Gospel values each day; her presence and maturity of faith in action is beyond her years."
Well done to all the worthy nominees and winners. You are all inspirations!
