Inspired by v

OK, I admit it, I wasn’t a great fan of v when it was founded. I feared this would be another example of a universal offering that would only attract those bright young things who recognised the value of volunteering. I am so pleased to have been proved wrong. Alongside the CYP Now Awards I have to say the highlight of my year is going to the vInspired Awards – I go, knowing I need to bring tissues, yet invariably forget!

This year was no exception, held in the iconic Roundhouse in Camden the place was buzzing from the moment we walked in – a reflection of the organisation itself, high energy, vibrant, inspirational.  There is no doubt that vInspired’s success and ability to continue to offer such excellent opportunities to young people, is largely down to its dynamic chief exec, Terry Ryall and her amazing staff. I have heard Terry speak many times over the years and she never fails to challenge and inspire. Her speech this year was no different – “Outside it’s freezing, but in here it’s lovely and toasty. Outside there is a bitter east wind blowing, but in here the winds of change are blowing. Outside there is talk of austerity, pessimism, anxiety. In here we have riches, we have optimism and we have hope.”

Every story from every finalist was one of asking not why but why not? No challenge was too great, no obstacle too immovable, no issue too daunting.

Although they didn’t win the Best Team category I have to say for me the most inspirational group of young people were Young Stars from Newham whose response to violence on their streets has been to come together to promote peace through initiating a “Peace Pledge”. Their ultimate aim is to eliminate violence and the fear of violence in their community. “We’re all from different postcodes and we all show that we can get along.”

I was also really impressed with the work that Eliza Rebeiro, winner of the Bringing Communities Together Award is doing. Eliza founded “Knives not Lives” after a friend of hers was fatally stabbed. The project aims to prevent gang related violence in Croydon by running roadshows in more than 60 primary and secondary schools and providing mentors. You can follow Eliza on Twitter @knivesnotlives.  I guess both these projects touched me because it cuts me to the quick every time I hear of a young person whose life has been cut short through the horror of knife and gun crime. These young people deserve our support and praise for everything they do.

Last but by no means least I have to mention the Youth Worker Award – as a “woman of a certain age” it was great to see another woman of a certain age win this category! Linda Markey’s story was one to inspire us all, gaining her youth work degree aged 50 and continuing to serve the young people of Fylde Coast today. What really touched me was hearing one of her youth work students talking about how Linda had inspired her to become a youth worker. To my mind, one of the most satisfying things about being a youth worker is knowing that you have left a legacy for the future through those young people you have inspired to get involved.

vInspired – the clue is in the name.

Linda Jack is a member of the Parliamentary Policy Committee for Education, Young People and Families, and former member of the Federal Policy Committee