Award recognition for youngsters
A GROUP of youngsters from Llanelli have won an award from the Prince’s Trust after facing challenges and significant isolation, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With a background of disengagement in compulsory education, as well as the negative impacts of social anxiety on their attendance, confidence and selfmotivation, the Llanelli group known as Team 14 have embarked on a journey of selfdiscovery using each other as support.
The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and have had a positive impact on their local community.
Team 14 includes Haydn,
Georgia, Chris, Amy, Steffan and Connor, who scooped the JD Foundation Community Impact Award.
This award recognises a group of young people who have made a positive contribution to their local community or school and have developed their own personal skills through teamwork.
They all attended the awards ceremony at Cardiff Castle.
Georgia struggled with building connections within her family and joined the programme wanting new experiences and social opportunities.
Her dedication to wanting more led to improved communication skills, alongside the courage to join a rugby team. Georgia is now more confident with herself and determined to gain additional qualifications to support her personal growth.
On winning the JD Foundation Community Impact Award, Haydn said: “It’s very unexpected but in a good way to have won this award. We were very surprised and delighted at the same time, and we really appreciate being chosen out of all the nominees. We all felt super-proud when we realised that our efforts have been recognised.
“None of this would be possible without our mentors and their efforts in making Team 14 the success that it is.
“We’ve had many happy memories and good experiences during this programme that have taken us all out of our comfort zones.
“We’ve created wonderful street art, transformed a rundown area, and even managed to get some exercise in during these projects.
“Receiving this award just shows us that our team efforts have been appreciated – so thank you.”
Adam Warriner, JD Foundation charity manager representing the JD Foundation on behalf of the JD Group, said: “On behalf of everyone at the JD Foundation, I am pleased to congratulate Team 14 for winning.
“Team 14 have come up with a truly inspiring project and they should be very proud – well done all.”