Mansfield: Award nomination for teenage volunteer Ross

Ross Kemp, 16, first attended Myplace Young People’s Centre at Westfield Folkhouse as part of his Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, helping junior club members.

But after completing the required six-month period for his bronze award, he stayed on to continue to plan and deliver a wide variety of activities.

After initially receiving help from staff, he has since regularly run sessions himself and become increasingly confident in challenging inappropriate behaviour and speaking up on behalf of young people to the staff team.

His own initiative of teaching the drums has proven particularly popular and his efforts have seen him put forward for a Nottinghamshire 4Uth Award that celebrates achievement among young people.

“I found I really enjoyed the volunteering and I thought I would carry it on, two days a week,” said Ross, who is studying for his GCSEs at Brunts Academy.

“I like to see those you are helping develop their skills and it has helped me bring on my leadership skills.”

“I’m going to college to learn mechanics, but I’m also keen to keep volunteering and it could be something I go into as a career.

“The staff have helped me and given me quite a lot of responsibility and it’s nice to have that trust.

“I’ve never been nominated for an award before this. It’s a really good feeling and I think my family are very proud.”

Ross was nominated by Ian Hayes, a youth worker at the Westfield Folkhouse, who has been impressed by his contribution.

He said: “Ross is very patient with all of the young people he assists and he is now very active within the club.

“He takes a leading role in promoting what the club has to offer, is a fantastic role model for younger members and is constantly on the lookout for new things which will interest young people.”

The winners of awards, part-organised by Nottinghamshire County Council, will not be revealed until a ceremony in November.

Coun Liz Plant, vice-chairman of the children and young people’s committee, said: “Ross is very active and clearly inspiring other young people around him with the volunteering work that he does.

“Youth leaders have praised him for being an ambassador for the club and he can be very proud of his nomination.”