This award is for a YHN tenant or leaseholder up to the age of 25 who may have been involved in community or charity work, or started or been part of a tenants’ or residents’ group.

And the winner is...

Daniel Ruane

Dad of one Daniel Ruane set up a young dads’ group to help other young fathers. The project allows dads to come together and share experiences as well as learn what services are available.

The 18-year-old dedicates his free time to looking after his 18-month-old son Alfie and helping others in the community.

Despite the hardships of his own life, Daniel is committed to giving something back to the community and improving the lives of other young people

The finalists

Dawn Bartley

Dawn turned her life around and is now dedicated to helping others.  The 18-year-old had faced difficult teenage years and struggled with her anger problems and anti-social behavior.  But she battled against her demons and is now living independently and looking to the future.  Dawn now spends her time helping other young people, taking a lead role at the Bike It programme where she acts as a mentor, helping other vulnerable youngsters.

“I teach them all sorts of bike skills, I really enjoy it,” said Dawn. “I help other people that come to the sessions.

Roxanne Bennett

Young mum Roxanne Bennett juggles family life and studying with caring for others in her community. Roxanne gives up hours of her time for volunteer work and community projects and is especially dedicated to helping young homeless people.

Shortly after her son Alfie was born 18 months ago, she and partner Daniel Ruane were thrown out onto the street and had to face life on their own. Her life is now back on track and she is a member of the Youth Independence Forum, making sure young people can have their voices heard and opinions felt in the city.

David Hart

Volunteer David Hart constantly helps out on community schemes. He was one of the founding members of YHN’S Bike It scheme and has dedicated his time to the project ever since.

Despite facing hardships in his own life, David has worked hard to learn to repair and restore bikes as well as promoting the scheme and supporting other young people who want to get involved with it.

Youth worker Carmel Peters said "David is very considerate and kind-hearted, he will go out of his way to help others and make them feel welcome."

Michael Williamson

Michael overcame adversity to become a model member of the community.  The 19-year-old had been in foster care since the age of four, but now he is striking out on his own and giving back to the community.  Michael is a member of the Youth Voice forum, who tries to address the problems and challenges vulnerable youngsters face in weekly meetings.

Young people’s worker Rosie Tapsfield, who nominated him for the award, said: “Michael has just transformed in the time that I have known him.