Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, is urging people from her constituency to consider nominating local people for the vinspired National Awards, which celebrate the contribution that young volunteers (aged 16-25) make to their communities.

The annual awards offer an opportunity to highlight the positivity, creativity and dedication demonstrated by young volunteers across England every day. The awards also honour inspiring youth leaders, who are committed to encouraging young volunteers. Finalists for the awards will be celebrated at a central London ceremony in March 2012.

Nominations can be made in the following categories, for voluntary activity carried out in the last year, with the closing date being 30th November 2011:

Best new volunteer
All-round commitment to volunteering
Bringing communities together
Team activity
Outstanding contribution by a youth worker
Most outstanding National Citizen Service team

Catherine said:

“Far too often we hear negative stories about young people, when many are actually making a really positive contribution to their local commnunities through voluntary work.

“It’s really important that we celebrate and recognise these achievements, and I would therefore urge my constituents to nominate young people from Newcastle for these awards.

“They can find out more information by visiting: www.vinspired.com/nationalawards.”