Four young people from across the country were presented with their Make a Difference Awards at a ceremony at the House of Commons on Tuesday 8th September.

The young people from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, were presented with their “2015 Make a Difference Awards” in the apartments of the Speaker of the House of Commons, by Deputy Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle MP, at a special ceremony attended by many Parliamentarians, national figures and BB members.

The UK-wide awards were established in 2009 which recognises and celebrates the achievement of a BB young person who has gone above and beyond to help others.

Niaomi (12) and Molly (9) Owen from Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent, who are members of the 1^st Hanley Group, were named as the winners for England. Niaomi and Molly help their parents look after their brother Bradley (7) who has been diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay. The girls help their brother in a variety of ways, such as playing games, reading and even helping with his homework.. The 1^st Hanley Company, based in All Saints Church, Hanley Joiners Square, Stoke-on-Trent, was set up by Development Worker, Neil Keighery, in January 2015. Although not exclusively supporting young carers, the group’s primary aim is providing a happy and enjoyable place for 6 to 14 year olds “to be themselves”; the young carers look after or care for a family member suffering from a range of illnesses and conditions and often, their own childhood activities are put to one side in favour of caring.

John Blair, from Barrhead and a member of the 1^st Barrhead Company, was the Scottish winner. Over 18 months, John carried out in excess of 250 hours of work in the community, while managing his own personal health and learning challenges

Portadown-based Jonathan Matchett, a member of the 1^st Bluestone, Lurgan Battalion, was named as the winner for Northern Ireland. Jonathan has carried out a variety of rolls in the community, including volunteering in charity shops from the age of 12 and teaching disabled children how to swim and play rugby.

Each of the young people have done worthy causes which has made a difference in their community, such as volunteering, teaching sports to disabled children and caring for an family member.

Andrew Johnston, Chief Executive said “Congratulations to Niaomi, Molly, John and Johnathan. We are exceptionally proud of them. Like so many BB young people, they go above and beyond to help others. The Boys’ Brigade aims to make a difference in the lives of young people, like our winners, who give so much to help others. These young people are an inspiration and thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

We would like to acknowledge our sponsors, Towergate Insurance and Burlington Uniforms Ltd for their generous support in making the event possible.

 

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