A year of hard work has paid off for 30 active teenagers, all members of the United Youth project at the Burley Lodge Centre, based in Hyde Park and Woodhouse.
This mix of young volunteers and achievers are set to receive their certificates of accreditation for organising and taking part in a series of challenges in their spare time.
The dynamic bunch of youngsters have given up their own time over the last year to fundraise, plan and organise their own series of challenges, so they could gain the Leeds Youth Award.
Successfully raised money
The group successfully raised money to buy new equipment for the community kitchen and the Youth Café at the Burley Lodge Centre, their local community centre, as well as funds to bring the IT suite up-to-date.
As well as this they organised a series of challenges for local young people that involved learning to snowboard, mountain bike riding, high ropes and bike repair workshops.
As Corinna, one of the dedicated youth workers at the Burley Lodge Centre, says:
"The involvement and enthusiasm of the young people I work with is amazing and inspiring and we never stop planning ahead. Once the celebration night is over, the group want to become even more active as volunteers, take on newer and bigger challenges and take part in training to become youth leaders."
As the year-long project was coming to an end, the young volunteers who meet at the steering group took on their final challenge; organising a celebration night, where the certificates could be handed out, with a fun atmosphere fitting for the end of a year of hard work.
Celebration event at Indian restaurant
They contacted local Labour councillor Gerry Harper for support, who gladly assisted the group secure the money for the night. The celebration event on Saturday will be a meal at the Bengal Brasserie, a local Indian restaurant, for all those who have gained a certificate.
The guest of honour is of course, councillor Harper, who will present the group with their certificates and join in celebrating the achievements of which these 30 young people are so rightly proud.
For more information about United Youth or the Burley Lodge Centre call 0113 2754142 or visit www.burleylodge.org.uk.
