New awards scheme launched

AFTER the success of a Lowestoft project in winning a countywide honour and going on to be named runner-up at a prestigious national awards ceremony, a new community awards scheme has been launched in Suffolk.

Recognising and rewarding the efforts of individuals, communities and voluntary-led groups in the county, the High Sheriff's annual awards, run by The Suffolk Foundation, have been unveiled.

Nominations for non-profit groups benefiting Suffolk people are now being sought, with entries accepted in three categories - The Suffolk Crimebeat Award, The Youth Group or Organisation of The Year and The Volunteer of The Year.

The Suffolk Crimebeat Award is given to a project or initiative undertaken by young people aged between eight and 25 that demonstrates how it has improved community safety, helped reduce crime or encouraged crime prevention and promoted good citizenship. Schools as statutory organisations can enter extra-curriculum projects.

The winner, who receives a certificate, is automatically put forward to the prestigious National Crimebeat Awards with a �1,000 first prize. Last year's winners were The Yard Project in Lowestoft for its ground-breaking scheme for young care leavers. They went forward and became runners-up in the national awards earlier this year.

The Youth Group or Organisation of the Year wins a �1,000 award for the voluntary organisation or community group that is best supporting young people involved in projects that make the county a safer place to live, while the Suffolk Volunteer of The Year Award is presented to an individual who has worked way beyond the call of duty.

The awards will be held in Ipswich on March 10, 2009. Entries should be submitted to organisers The Suffolk Foundation, by the end of January 2009. For more information and a nomination form telephone 01473 734123.