YOUTH charity the Jack Petchey Foundation has now recognised over 100 young people from London and Essex for volunteering their time to help others during the pandemic.
Volunteer week 2021’s theme is “a chance to say thank you”, and since the first national lockdown Jack Petchey’s Community Awards have been used to recognise and thank young people for going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic to help others around them. In the last year the scheme has recognised 115 young people and is still receiving nominations and giving out awards.
Winners are awarded £50 from the Foundation and a letter from Sir Jack to congratulate them on going the extra mile to help others in this lockdown.
Amelia Smith, age 16, from Thurrock.
In the first lockdown, Amelia started making positive packages for vulnerable people to bring a little positivity into an otherwise difficult situation for those with disabilities, chronic illnesses and illnesses that had made them self-isolate during the lockdown.
Members of the local community have been nominating people they know directly to Amelia along with some information about them so that Amelia can create a personalised pack and ensure they are specifically adapted and suited to the individual needs of the person.
