Kent Messenger Maidstone

Judges on lookout for selfless young people

Compassion­ate awards to honour the actions of under 18s

- By Liane Castle

An awards scheme designed to recognise kind and selfless acts in Maidstone throughout the pandemic is looking for a young community role model.

The Compassion­ate Community Awards 2020, a partnershi­p between the Heart of Kent Hospice and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), was launched to showcase the positive actions of those who have pulled us through Covid-19.

The category for under 18s is looking for a young person who has had a significan­t impact on their neighbourh­ood.

The judges want to hear about those who gave up their time and showed creativity in their efforts supporting those around them.

Sarah Pugh, chief executive at The Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “Young people have shown such compassion, real maturity, and understand­ing in what has been happening.

“They have looked at the problem and found a way to become part of the solution.

“At the hospice, so many young people have done incredible things to fundraise for us. They’ve taken on personal challenges in a world they have had to adapt to.

“I think it’s so important to recognise how young people respond to a crisis and the fact they are so capable. So many have shown real leadership and I can’t wait to see the examples are put forward.”

Backed by the Kent Messenger, six prizes are up for grabs. Other categories are for compassion shown in a business or workplace; in a care or residentia­l home; in a school or by a teacher; by a volunteer or a neighbour; or a community. Nominees must either be living in or nearby the borough of Maidstone.

To nominate someone, visit tinyurl.com/KMcompassi­on or email compassion­ateawards@ maidstone.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday, September 25.

 ??  ?? The awards are looking to celebrate young people who have helped buoy their communitie­s during the coronaviru­s lockdown
The awards are looking to celebrate young people who have helped buoy their communitie­s during the coronaviru­s lockdown

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