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Conwy Youth Service volunteer receives Diana Award


July 07, 2020 - 897 views

A volunteer with Conwy Youth Service has been awarded the prestigious Diana Award in recognition of an outstanding contribution to society.

The Diana Award is a charity set up set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and her belief that young people have the power to change the world. It’s given to young people aged 9-25 years to recognise their social action or humanitarian work.

Lauren Williams, 25 from Colwyn Bay, was recognised via the 2020 Virtual Diana Award Ceremony broadcast on The Diana Award YouTube Channel, and a member of the Youth Service team presented her with her award.

Lauren became a key part of several projects in the Youth Service, including the Healthy Image project, which promotes healthy lifestyles and physical activity to young people in Conwy. As part of the initiative, Lauren has helped to run sports sessions and activities at youth clubs, schools, in the community and at events.

Through volunteering, Lauren has received the Millennium Volunteers 200 award for her community volunteering work, and the Bay of Colwyn Town Council Award for her volunteering contributions in the Colwyn Bay and Old Colwyn areas.

Lauren has also helped deliver health awareness sessions that focused on novel psychoactive substances, also known as ‘legal highs’. Working with 104 students to educate and inform the young people about the dangers and consequences of using legal highs, in order to make a positive difference to their lives and their community.

Cllr Louise Emery Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Community Development Services said, “I’d like to congratulate Lauren on this well-deserved Award. It’s so pleasing to see young people benefitting from the activities and initiatives that are run by Conwy Youth Service.

We’re particularly proud of volunteers like Lauren who give back so much to their communities and create the right environment to help young people gain confidence and equip themselves for the future.”

Lauren added, “Being involved with Conwy Youth Service has helped me overcome major barriers in my life. I’ve been able to grow into a stronger, more independent person. Without the support of my friends, family and Conwy Youth Service, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Through volunteering, I have been able to give back to my community, taking everything I’ve learned and passing that on to the young people in our communities.

I am really thankful for all the support Conwy Youth Service has given me and the positive impact volunteering has had on my life.”