Nominations are now open to find and celebrate the borough’s most inspiring young people.

Dudley Youth Council, with the support of Dudley Council, has opened nominations for this year’s Dudley Youth Awards.

The awards recognise and celebrate the amazing young people in the borough for their hard work, dedication and achievements.

There are nine categories including creativity, sport, freedom and leadership with a new award also being added.

The parents of a young man who tragically passed away in November 2022 will also accept a posthumous award on his behalf and speak about the new award that has been created in his memory.

Ben Corfield was heavily involved in making a difference in the community, and the award will be open to other young people from 2024 to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond and making continuous efforts in their community. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services, said:

“These awards are organised by young people to shine a light on the positive impact of their peers and breakdown the possible preconceptions some people may have about our younger generations.

“The reality is there are so many young people out there doing amazing things for others and the local community.

“As a child friendly borough with an ambition to see all children and young people reach their potential, it’s wonderful we have these awards to recognise those who truly are an inspiration to others.

“If the calibre of nominees from previous years is anything to go by, it will be a tough decision to pick the winners for this year’s awards.”

Young people aged 11-19 (up to 25 with disabilities) can be nominated – unless it is for the inspiring futures award which is the only adult category. Young people nominated must live or go to school in Dudley borough.

Nominations close on March 13. Shortlisted nominees and guests will be invited to the Dudley Youth Awards ceremony taking place on January 21 next year at Dudley College.

People can find out more or nominate on the Dudley Council website.