Outstanding contribution by a youth worker

The Outstanding Contribution by a Youth Worker award celebrates youth workers who provide energy and enthusiasm - offering support without being in your face. They are the undercover talent spotters in the community – who go the extra mile to help young people have the best experience and do the most amazing things.

Ethan Bernard

Ethan Bernard, 30, launched and volunteers for Vessel Works in Brockley, South London, which empowers young people through the use of music, media and mentoring.

The things I get most out of volunteering are…
A sense of joy of achievement seeing others benefit from my time and efforts.

My volunteering has made an impact on the people I help by…
Helping them to achieve greater knowledge on subjects of their own interest, such as music and media. My volunteering has also made an impact by displaying great outcomes of a good vision, passion and hard work.

Being nominated for a vInspired National Award makes me feel…
Proud and very special that someone noticed my efforts to better the lives of young people. It has also showed me the importance of ‘doing good’ at all times, as you never know who’s watching you.

If I were Prime Minister for the day, the one thing I would change would be…
To help those on benefits, who want to work, do so without being in a worse position than when on benefits- if that makes sense.

David Plumtree

David Plumtree, 30, helped young people to set up their own vintage clothes shop, Old School Clothing Co. in Scunthorpe to raise money for local causes.

The things I get most out of volunteering are…
Happiness - helping and developing others isn’t a selfless act!

My volunteering has made an impact on the people I help by…
Helping them into work , to make friends, to have the space to explore ideas.

Being nominated for a vInspired National Award makes me feel…
Overwhelmed and a little embarrassed.

If I were Prime Minister for the day, the one thing I would change would be…
Political apathy!

Barry Clark

Barry Clark, 68, has been working with young people at Brakes Manor Youth Club in Hatfield for more than 40 years.

The things I get most out of volunteering are…
A sense of fulfilment, making a positive contribution, meeting new people, developing new skills and expertise, confidence and wellbeing, broadening my experience. And it is enjoyable and rewarding.

My volunteering has made an impact on the people I help by…
As a youth worker over many years, I have always tried to encourage young people to have positive attitudes and take every opportunity to broaden their experience and develop new skills and expertise. Not only has this enabled others to see and appreciate exactly what young people can do but it has also led to better training opportunities and in some cases, career paths. Enabling young people’s potential to be realised should always be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Being nominated for a vInspired National Award makes me feel…
For me, the work itself has been a wonderful journey but nonetheless, I feel greatly honoured at being recognised in this way.

If I were Prime Minister for the day, the one thing I would change would be…
I would invest more money in young people.

Outstanding contribution by a youth worker