"Incredible representatives of what is good in young people in this country" - Simon Cowell

Nine groups of young people will today receive a prestigious Philip Lawrence Award to celebrate their outstanding contributions to society. The national awards scheme is run by charity 4Children in partnership with the Home Office and Frances Lawrence, in memory of head teacher Philip Lawrence.

At a time of heightened controversy over the demonising of young people, the Awards recognise the exceptional young people who are committed to making a positive difference to the world around them. The Philip Lawrence Awards ceremony will be held in central London at the Bloomsbury Theatre on 2 December 2008 from 11am.

Hosting the ceremony will be long term Philip Lawrence Award supporter and renowned TV personality Sir Trevor McDonald.

The annual event will take place in the presence of the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw and Frances Lawrence.

This year’s Awards ceremony will also feature a live performance from Britain’s Got Talent’s popular dance group FLAVA. The hip hop youth dance group will receive a surprise honorary Philip Lawrence Award, supported by UCL, for their high profile contribution towards challenging negative stereotyping of ‘hoodies’, which has prompted Simon Cowell to describe them as "incredible representatives of what is good in young people in this country".

The Philip Lawrence Awards were established in 1996 in memory of head teacher, Philip Lawrence, who was murdered whilst protecting a pupil outside his school. The Awards, run by children’s charity 4Children, have supported the positive work of over 1,000 young people across the UK and have attracted worldwide celebrity support in drawing the attention of adults everywhere to young people’s achievements.

Frances Lawrence said: "The Philip Lawrence Awards work from the premise that every young person can achieve great things if only they are given the chance, if they feel they are being valued and supported, challenged not patronised... A few days before he died, Philip wrote about his belief that every child is capable of greatness. Our Award winners demonstrate the enduring truth of his words."

Home Secretary, Rt Hon Jacqui Smith said: “Too often young people are demonised by the actions of a small minority. The vast majority of young people are on the right track. These awards recognise and celebrate the positive contribution they are making across the country to improve life in their communities. I hope others will continue to be inspired by their examples.”

Singing sensation Katie Melua said: “It is heartening that the tragic death of Philip Lawrence has created something good in the legacy of The Philip Lawrence Awards. The winners are truly inspirational and show the huge potential that young people have to change society for the better.”

THE 2008 PHILIP LAWRENCE AWARD WINNERS ARE:

ChatBack Productions: A youth TV production company which uses its media skills and expertise to break down barriers and dispel myths about being in care

Dare 2B Different: A youth group which works to break down physical and mental barriers for young people living with a disability

Knightswood Youth Theatre: A youth theatre group which uses drama to bring together asylum seekers and refugees with young people from the local area to enhance mutual understanding

Nessie Club: A canal boat based youth project dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people in identifying and breaking down barriers to achievement

RECLAIM: Using a range of techniques from intensive mentoring to an academic support day and graduation ceremony, RECLAIM empowers young people and encourages them to work together to instil self esteem, challenge stereotypes and raise aspirations

THinK: A group of young people dedicated to improving the range of health information available to young people and increasing the uptake of health services in their local community

Value Life: A campaign run by young people who aim to raise awareness and re-educate the community about the dangers of gun and knife crime

YOBS: Young people who bridge the generation gap and help older people to stay healthy by delivering fresh fruit and veg to older people in the community using bikes and trailers

Young Muslim Voices: Listen Up Project: A youth support group which supports young people from the Muslim community to make their voices heard on issues that concern them, and encourages social inclusion

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Notes to the Editors

• For further information, to arrange interviews or to attend the event, contact Julie Watkins on 020 7522 6928 / 0791 787 0641 or email julie.watkins@4Children.org.uk.

• Visit the Philip Lawrence Awards website www.philiplawrenceawards.org.uk.

• Celebrity quotes and images are available on request.

• Winning youth groups each receive £1,000 to help support their project.

• Over the last eleven years, The Philip Lawrence Awards has supported over 1,000 young people who are actively initiating, developing and delivering programmes of work to enhance their lives and the lives of others, in particular to help combat violence, vandalism, bullying and racism.

• The Philip Lawrence Awards is the largest scheme of its kind and recognises outstanding achievement among young people aged 11-20.

• The scheme is funded by the Home Office with support from teachers’ union NASUWT and is kindly host by the Bloomsbury Theatre, London. Children & Young People Now is the official media partner of the scheme.

• The Awards are open to young people aged 11-20 from across the UK. The scheme is managed by 4Children, the national charity that represents the needs of all children and young people and their families. See www.4Children.org.uk.

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