Supporters

Support for the vinspired national awards

Politicians and royalty have united with top names from the UK music industry are supporting this year's vinspired national awards.

Royalty

HRH Prince William: “I am delighted to support the vinspired national awards ceremony, which represents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young people in neighbourhoods up and down this Country.  The winners of the vinspired national awards highlight the diverse range of volunteering opportunities that are available to young people. 

"The awards showcase what can be achieved when young people apply their remarkable energies and determination.  They also demonstrate the enormously positive contribution 16 to 25 year-olds can make to our society through volunteering.”

Politicians 

Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Prime Minister: “I am delighted to send my congratulations to all the young volunteers who have shown such dedication and expertise, and have made such a difference to their communities and their environment as a result. They can be proud of all they have achieved”

Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Deputy Prime Minister: "The vinspired national awards are an opportunity to do something that we do not do often enough – recognise the amazing things that young people do. Young people across the country are giving their time to tackle some of the toughest social and environmental issues facing us today. The 700 nominees, each with an amazing story, are a timely reminder that young people achieve great things which benefit other people, the environment and themselves. Well done to all the nominees and finalists."   

Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP: “I am proud to support the vinspired national awards. The young people who have been nominated for these awards are an inspiration, because they are a reminder of the power of all our young people to make a difference, to make the world around a better place to be.

"In every school, in every neighbourhood, there are young people who are choosing to spend their time doing something good for somebody else – simple acts of kindness that change the world every day. It is time we celebrated all that they do.”

Music & entertainment

Tinchy Stryder: “I think the vinspired national awards are a good thing and I am happy to be involved. The work the volunteers are doing to help their community is really positive.”

Bashy: “vinspired.com is just so innovative and positive. I wish the vinspired award scheme was about when I was still in school because I'd have been involved straight away."

Lady Sovereign: "v is a great cause, celebrating young people's achievements that would otherwise go unrecognised.  I am very happy to show my support to those who've done something good for the community".

Gabriella Cilmi: "I am so proud to be part of the vinspired national awards, the work that these young people do for other people is inspirational.”

Joe Thomas, The Inbetweeners: "In the first place I'm inspired by the sheer generosity of these volunteers. But I think I'm actually most impressed by the grownupness of their belief that they can affect the world around them - not just the world of their families and friends, but the world of people they've never met. I think that's a rare thing, and that it is admirable."

Emily Head, The Inbetweeners: "The work that these volunteers do for others is unbelievable, they should all be really proud of being nominated for an award.  We wanted to join in one of the acting workshops to highlight the fun opportunities that are out there for potential volunteers – it doesn’t have to be boring, you can get involved with whatever you’re passionate about!"

James Redmond: “Being involved with the vinspired national awards has made me realise how many different and diverse volunteering opportunities are out there. Volunteering is a brilliant way of doing something you enjoy whilst benefitting your community and improving your life skills”.

Lewis Moody (Rugby Union Player): "I have been very fortunate to play for England and to be given the opportunities that have allowed me to achieve what I have in life.

"I strongly believe in recognising the work of young volunteers the commitment they give to their communities especially within sport as it is these people that help energize young people and motivate them to achieve at a national level.  This is why I am supporting the Energy Award at the vinspired national awards on behalf of Red Bull"

Shingai Shoniwa, lead singer of The Noisettes: “I think what v is doing is amazing. Good on them – they’ve found 900,000 volunteer opportunities and they’re getting people to fill them. I think that’s pretty difficult in this day and age, and what I like about them is that they are supporting such a variety of projects, including the arts and festivals like vinspired Lake of Stars. A lot of young people get turned onto things in the first place because of the music they listen to, or because of the arts. A lot of people go on to volunteer because they’ve been part of a youth arts club or sports club that might be run by volunteers. I think it kind of makes sense that v keep themselves connected with the creative, energised side, because that’s what I think a lot of young people are hungry for."

Rob Da Bank, DJ on BBC Radio 1: "I think the work that vinspired are doing is spot on. I think the time is right in the UK for young people to be getting inspired by working with other people in all walks of life through volunteering. Ultimately this is all going to go towards making people more employable and more rounded individuals working towards eventually creating a better society."

Felix B from Basement Jaxx (Full interview available): “I think it is important for young people to have experiences outside of the box - outside of the life they normally live. Getting outside your comfort zone enables you to learn something new about yourself and also about what life is about. I think it is particularly important for young people to learn from being out of their comfort zone through something like volunteering.

Volunteering makes you a broader, more interesting person who more people will want to know. Over and beyond that, you can actually have an effect on the world, get involved in interesting activities and, generally, just have a fuller life.  In my opinion, I would encourage young people to have as many different experiences as they can through volunteering.” 

Craig David, Platinum-selling recording artist: “Make sure you get involved with vinspired – a great cause – you know it makes sense.”

Support for the vinspired awards scheme

Business leaders and entrepeneurs have united in support for the vinspired awards, which demonstrate the skills and commitment of young volunteers, through two nationally recognised certificates, vfifty and vimpact.

James Caan (Entrepreneur & Dragon’s Den Star): “I am thrilled to be part of the vinspired awards and endorse the scheme.  There is a real need for employers to understand the full extent of skills young people gain through volunteering experiences. 

"In these financially challenging times it has never been more important for young job seekers to stand out and be noticed by employers and it is equally important for businesses to ensure they recognise the motivation, commitment and desire volunteers have for self improvement, which are all key attributes required in candidates by any successful business.”

“It’s about time we recognise young people for the contribution they make to their communities though volunteering and it is also an opportunity to showcase  the experience volunteers can get that may help them move in the right direction when looking for work.”

Alex Mitchell, Institute of Directors: “Safeguarding our present during the global economic downturn is critical but it is also extremely important that we all look to the future. Key to this is making sure the talent of our young people is nurtured and grown; this will be of vital importance to the success of our economy going forward. At a time when the job market is challenging, volunteering can develop in young people crucial skills such as leadership, team work and project management, skills that will be invaluable to business. The vinspired awards will showcase the advantage that volunteering can bring to young people and inspire them to get involved. The IoD is therefore delighted to support this initiative.”

Martha Lane Fox (Business Woman & lastminute.com founder)

“I salute anybody who volunteers. Not only does it give you valuable experience but it makes you eminently more employable. And who knows you might even have some fun too!”

Richard Wainer, Confederation of British Industries: “At a time when businesses around the country are feeling the strain from the global economic downturn, young people too are finding it more and more difficult to find employment.  Volunteering is one way that young people can stay active and keep in close touch with the world of work, learn new skills and contribute to communities.  The CBI is pleased to support the vinspired awards because they allow young people to assess and articulate to employers the impact of volunteering on key employability skills.  And that can only enhance a young person’s future prospects.”

Karren Brady (Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club): “I think that anybody who volunteers is taking a decisive step in the right direction and taking their career ambitions into their own hands.

"Not only does volunteering for the vinspired award scheme give you valuable experience, but it makes you eminently more employable. And who knows you might even have some fun too!  I would seriously consider a candidate for interview if they had committed to such a unique scheme”

Tom Hadley, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC): “Employers recognise the valuable skills that can be gained through volunteering. In a competitive jobs market a jobseeker needs to go above and beyond to demonstrate they have the right skills for the job. Experience gained through volunteering can significantly bolster a candidate’s CV. This is particularly true for young people who may have little or no experience in the labour market. At a time when it is becoming increasingly difficulty for jobseekers under the age of 25 to find an entry point into the labour market, volunteering is one way that can help a candidate stand out from the crowd. We are therefore pleased to support the vinspired awards”.

Felix Howard (President of A&R at EMI Music)

“The media often portray such a negative image of England’s youth and it’s great to see the other much more positive side.  The vinspired award scheme is a fantastic way of recognising, and thanking these people for getting involved and if I saw this on a cv, it would definitely jump to the top of the pile”

The Blackout Crew    

The Blackout Crew wanted to show  their support to the volunteers who run their music studios where the Donks get made..