Young people from across County Durham have been recognised for their achievements, resilience and contribution to their communities at a special celebration event in Durham.
The Durham Area Youth Awards and Celebration Evening, held on Monday, July 6, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, was organised by attendees of Durham Area Youth sessions.
More than 130 guests, including young people, families, volunteers, supporters, partners, funders, sponsors and community leaders, attended the event.
Emily Burns, chief executive of Durham Area Youth, said: "Our celebration and awards event is first and foremost about recognising the incredible achievements of the young people we work with across County Durham.
"Every day they inspire us with their creativity, determination, resilience, and commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.
"Over the past year we have seen more young people than ever before engaging with our services.
"That growth reflects both the increasing need for safe, supportive spaces for young people and the value of high-quality youth work in helping them build confidence, develop skills, and feel a sense of belonging."
The evening included live performances by Erin Goodwill and Isla Clark, as well as a series of awards recognising volunteering, creativity, teamwork, resilience, kindness, and outstanding achievement.
A promotional video, produced by young people, was also launched during the event.
Durham Area Youth continues to see rising demand for its services, with participation increasing by 54 per cent from 537 to 826 young people since 2023.
Over the past year, the charity delivered 108 youth work sessions and provided 4,895 hours of direct support and engagement.
Established in 2018, Durham Area Youth supports young people in rural communities by offering high-quality youth work and trusted adult guidance.
It provides open-access youth services in Bournmoor, Pittington, Sherburn Hill, Sherburn Village, West Rainton, and Belmont.
The charity offers safe environments where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, form positive relationships, and feel a sense of belonging.
Ms Burns said many of the young people supported by the organisation face challenges such as loneliness, school pressures, mental health issues, and difficulties with friendship and adolescence.
She said some also feel unheard and overlooked.
Durham Area Youth places young people at the centre of its work by involving them in shaping activities and influencing decisions.
Participants volunteer in their communities and help develop projects, fundraising efforts and future services.
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Ms Burns said the charity is proud of all those who were recognised at the awards.
She said: "We are incredibly proud of all the young people being recognised this evening and grateful to the families, volunteers, partners, funders and sponsors whose support makes this work possible.
"Most importantly, we thank the young people themselves, whose voices, ideas, and ambition continue to shape everything we do."
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