Inspiring, moving, encouraging were some of the words that were used to describe the achievements of the young volunteers that received recognition at the 2016 Tryangle Awards held at Worcester Bosch. The awards, organised by Worcestershire youth charity Young Solutions were presented to young people that have shown outstanding commitment to volunteering. Many of those that received awards have got involved in volunteering even though they have had to overcome personal or health difficulties.

Amongst those who were given a Tryangle Award was Texas Bishop from Redditch. Despite having a disability he gives up hours of his time to volunteer at the Reddi Centre, for the Salvation Army and the army cadet corps.

A young man from Kidderminster, George Teal, was given an award for his support to other young people at Baxter College. George’s earliest years had not been the easiest, but through his own efforts had not only successfully tackled his own problems, but also found time to help others.

Two young people from Worcester, Hannah Lloyd and Joe Grange gained their award for arts and sports. Hannah is an accomplished dancer who has obtained various qualifications, but spends time leading dance classes passing on her skills to other young people.

Joe Grange set up Lower Teme Lions football club when he was 14 persuading local parish councils to given them a pitch and successfully getting a grant from the Football Foundation. He has an FA certificate that allows him to coach at local primary schools and help run a football project at Regency School in Worcester for young people with learning difficulties.

Some 18 young people from across Worcestershire were presented with Tryangle Awards. The presenters were drawn from industry, public service and the voluntary sector. Amongst the presenters was Carl Arntzen, Chief Executive of Worcester Bosch. Carl said he was delighted to have had the opportunity to hear so many amazing stories about the young people’s volunteering triumphs. They were, in his words, genuinely inspirational.

In addition to the young people getting awards, the efforts of volunteer youth leaders was also celebrated. A lifetime achievement award was presented to Betty Phillips M.B.E. who has devoted 40 years to volunteering and leading Broadway Youth Club. Betty founded the club in the early 1970s and has run the club almost every Thursday evening since then. This outstanding contribution was celebrated at the Tryangle Awards evening. Phil Street Manager of Young Solutions said the voluntary youth sector and especially the young people of Broadway were incredibly fortunate to have had 40 years of service by someone so special and someone who had never sought material reward. He described her as a wonderful example of volunteering.

See photos of the evening here.