More than 300 people packed out The Phoenix Theatre in Blyth to celebrate the aspirations of children and young people in Northumberland.
Bedlington based charity, Leading Link arranged the event as part of the Children’s University where more than 120 young people graduated with 30 plus hours of community activity and engagement over the last year.
The Children’s University initiative encourages children to try new experiences, develop new interests and gain new skills out of school hours. Once they have collected their stamps from local, regional and national validated providers or by attending workshops provided by Leading Link they then attend a ‘graduation’ in full university gown attire and celebrate their achievement.
Guest speaker for the event was the inspirational Darren Tait who had many stories to tell of his own life and living proof of ‘if you believe in yourself enough, it will happen’.
Darren started life on the wrong path, constantly getting into trouble and ended up as a forklift driver – a job he thought was for him and he had no aspirations to do anything else.
At 21, he cycled past a ballet class and stopped to watch the dancers. He was so inspired by their dedication and resilience that he began to practice the steps he had seen in his own home. Eventually he plucked up the courage to sign up to a ballet class. He was told he would never amount to much, had a lot of jeering pointed in his direction, but he continued. His career then took him to Cirque de Soleil, a stunt man in various movies and a dance soloist in many very successful productions across the world. He spoke to the children about how it is important in life to get out there and try new things then when you have found your dream, keep at it.
The graduation presentations took place with many examples of amazing success. One graduate had over 1300 hours of community engagement while 18 year old John Strasenburgh received the top honorary award for ‘Most Inspiring Leader 2019’ with over 1200 hours and an exemplary role model for other young people. He was awarded this by Ryan Smails, an Assistant head teacher of St Benet Biscop and trustee of Leading Link.
As a sponsor of the Children’s University in Blyth, Draeger Safety UK were delighted to present a number of trophies.
Helen O’Donnell, CEO Children’s University Trust said,” “We know Children’s University has a positive impact on young peoples’ aspirations and that those participating in the scheme are also more likely to report higher levels of communication, self-confidence, resilience, and happiness as well as wanting to know more about pathways towards professions than previously. The work of Northumberland Children’s University is therefore now more pertinent than ever and its successes are those we’re keen to replicate all over the country”.
Lyn Horton, CEO of Leading Link said; “ I’m so proud of our young people and all of the businesses and organisations that have helped to make The Children’s University graduation a success once again.”
The prize winners are below:
Trophy – ‘Amazing Resilience’ – Brooke Watson
Trophy – ‘Great Inspiration’ – Taylor Atkinson
Trophy – ‘Young Community Champion’ – Liam Grieves
Trophy – ‘Great Resilience’ – Lilah McNaughton
Trophy – ‘Great Resilience’ – Lilah McNaughton
Trophy – ‘Young Achiever’ – Bethan Lillico
Trophy –‘Inspirational Leader 2019 – John Strasenburg
Ends
Photo Shows Graduates at the ceremony (P Lowder)
Contact Leading Link 01670 820088 info@leadinglink.co.uk
Media Keith Newman keith@highlightspr.co.uk07814 397951