Winners of Philip Lawrence Awards announced

The annual awards, this year organised by young people's charity Catch22, recognise young people's efforts to deal with some of society's most intractable issues.

The winners, who will collect awards today from Home Secretary Alan Johnson and Children’s Secretary Ed Balls, will receive £1,000, training and support.

The Philip Lawrence Awards were established in memory of the head teacher Philip Lawrence who was murdered in December 1995. Founder of the awards Frances Lawrence said: "The young people who make up our winners this year show us the very best of human nature. They have identified serious problems and have reached out to help people whose lives are affected by them."

List of winners

Body Rocks – Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
For 15- to 19-year-olds who have had difficulties staying in mainstream education or have been involved in the criminal justice system.
 
Crosscultures – Folkestone, Kent
Aims to help different groups and cultures integrate and build a stronger local community.
 
Fawcett Youth Group – Hackney, London
Set up by a group of young people who wanted to organise youth projects and activities, and have a say on issues affecting their lives.
 
Guns and Gangs Project in Old Trafford – Old Trafford, Manchester
The group visits schools and puts on music nights in an effort to educate other young people about the dangers of gangs.
 
Halmer End Youth Association – Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Started by a group of young people aged 13 to 19 from a rural village in Staffordshire, the main drive of the group is to raise awareness of positive things about young people and initiate community activity in their village.

Haringey Shed Youth Theatre – Tottenham, London
An inclusive theatre company for any young person wishing to take part, including those who have disabilities or special needs.

Neath Port Talbot Youth Council – Port Talbot, Wales
Brings together 11- to 25-year-olds to debate and vote on issues affecting young people.
 
Yorkshire Mixtures Group – Kirklees, Yorkshire
A youth-led project for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) young people.
 
Youthlife – Derry, Northern Ireland
Aims to help children aged 10 and above in Londonderry who are experiencing mental health difficulties due to the loss of a loved one.
 
Youth4Youth – Bristol
The group runs music events; police report a 23 per cent fall in criminal damage in the area since the events started.