The achievements of a group of young people who have turned their lives around were celebrated recently at an award ceremony in Loughborough.
The 10 to 18 year-olds all took part in TwentyTwenty’s mentoring scheme, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sir Clive Loader.
Founded in 2007, TwentyTwenty is dedicated to helping disadvantaged, disengaged and extremely hard-to-reach young people succeed in education, thrive in their personal lives, and achieve long term employment.
Andy Cook, Managing Director at TwentyTwenty, said: “Our celebration event is the best night in our year.
“Bringing young people to the forefront who rarely get a mention, but are amongst the bravest, most creative people our community, make this event not only rewarding for young people but also for us to see how they have developed since they have been part TwentyTwenty’s mentor scheme.
It gives us the chance for us to celebrate with all who help TwentyTwenty do its day job, hearing the inspiring stories of young people from our community and think about how we can keep making brighter futures for all.”
Sir Clive invested £150,000 in the organisation’s mentoring scheme last year in order to help reduce offending and re-offending, one of the key priorities as set out in his Police and Crime Plan.
He attended last night’s ceremony and awarded the Most Inspiring Student Award to 17-year-old Matthew Hirst.
Matthew was well known to the police for issues relating to anti-social behaviour when he was referred to TwentyTwenty. He had poor attendance at school and no interest in gaining an education.
Through the mentoring scheme, Matthew was given full-time mentor Christian Zamore, who acted as a role model providing advice and guidance.
Thanks to the project and his mentor, he has left his criminal past behind him, passed his GCSEs and is now studying Sports and Physical Education through a programme ran by the Leicester Tigers.
After receiving his award, Matthew said: “I’m really happy to be receiving this award. My life has completely changed and I couldn’t have done this without all the support and guidance I have received.”
Matthew’s mentor, Christian said: “Matthew has been through so much and made many poor decisions but I am happy to see that our support has given him the chance to change. He has completely turned his life around and I couldn’t be more proud of him! It’s been a pleasure to mentor him and I have enjoyed every moment”
Sir Clive said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the evening with TwentyTwenty. Being able to see the positive impact the funding has had on young people’s lives is the part of my job in which I take the most pride and greatest pleasure.”
Over 300 people attended the event. Guests ranged from family members to TwentyTwenty partners, funders, volunteers and commissioners such as the PCC. Those who attended heard stories from the young people themselves on the things they have overcome, challenges met and accomplishments made.
Nicky Morgan MP and Economic Secretary to the Treasury also attended the event and said: “It was a pleasure to attend TwentyTwenty’s legendary annual celebration evening. Yet again I met some inspiring young people who have overcome personal difficulties. TwentyTwenty does some amazing work and it was great to celebrate with them last night.”
Posted on Monday 9th May 2016