Despite the fact that young people are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of crime – with new figures revealing that almost a third of young people have been a victims of personal crime in the past year – negative stereotyping of young people and public fear over youth crime is at an all time high.

However on Tuesday 10 June, singing sensation Katie Melua, the Home Secretary, The Rt. Hon Jacqui Smith MP, past Philip Lawrence Award winners and Frances Lawrence will buck the popular trend and celebrate young people’s achievements at an event which marks the opening of nominations for The Philip Lawrence Awards 2008. The event will encourage teenagers from across the country to enter the prestigious award scheme which recognises and honours young people’s outstanding contributions to society.

The Philip Lawrence Awards, run by children’s charity 4Children in partnership with the Home Office, were established in 1996 in memory of head teacher Philip Lawrence who was tragically murdered whilst protecting a pupil outside his school. To date, the award scheme has supported the positive work of over 1,000 young people (aged 11–20) across the UK.

Home Secretary, The Rt. Hon Jacqui Smith MP, said:
"I am delighted to be associated with the Philip Lawrence Awards which recognise the inspiring achievements of our youth. Year after year entrants demonstrate the positive contribution young people across the country are making to enhance their communities. I know the vast majority of young people are on the right track, and hope they will be inspired by the example offered by award winners.”

Singer / Songwriter and Musician 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 demonstrate the huge potential that young people have to change society for the better.”

The winners of the 2008 Philip Lawrence Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in central London on Tuesday 2 December to be hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, with the Home Secretary The Rt. Hon Jacqui Smith MP and Frances Lawrence.

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Notes to the Editors
The event will take place from 11–12pm at the Home Office. Limited press passes are available upon request.

Interviews are available prior to the launch event upon request. 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 

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

The Philip Lawrence Awards nominations form is available to download here or by calling 020 7512 2100 or by emailing philiplawrenceawards@4Children.org.uk . The closing date for nominations is 12 September 2008.

Over the last twelve years, The Philip Lawrence Awards have 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 largely funded by a grant from the Home Office. The scheme is supported by teachers’ union NASUWT, University College London and Children & Young People Now magazine.

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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