Our Chairperson Brittany has been nominated for and awarded the Young Volunteer of the Year award in the Radio Carmarthenshire Young Achiever Awards 2018. This year’s award ceremony was to recognise young people across Carmarthenshire who truly make a difference in our community.

The Awards, proudly sponsored by Coleg Sir Gar, were held in the Best Western Diplomat Hotel on Friday 19th October 2018.

Brittany, on being asked how she felt about winning the award, said “I’m so happy to be receiving this award, it’s such an amazing thing to happen”.

Brittany has received this award because of her years of hard work in Carmarthenshire Youth Council by completing over 500 Volunteering Hours back in April this year during our AGM.

We are all so proud of our Chairperson and thank her for her commitment, dedication, and her enthusiasm for the Youth Council, and congratulate her on winning the prestigious award.

Our member Harriet, aged 16 who was badly bullied has again been congratulated for her strength of character and courage by receiving a Cwmaman Town Council, Community Award.

Harriet Alsop-Bingham, from Garnant suffered cruelty by a group of bullies from the age of 11, who tortured her to the point that she felt completely worthless and started to self-harm, Since receiving the help and support she so desperately needed, Harriet has fought to get her life back on track. Harriet was presented with the Cwmaman Community Award at a presentation evening, organised by Cwmaman Town Council in September.

On receiving the award Harriet “I am over the moon to have been nominated and to have received the second award, the Cwmaman Town Council., Community Award. I’d like to thank Sarah for nominating me and for everyone who believed in me”

Harriet was first recognised for her achievements through winning Carmarthenshire Radio Child of Courage Award 2017 during the Summer, in recognition for the strength, fight and courage she has shown during personal difficulties. Harriet has found the courage to share her story with others to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to encourage anyone suffering as she did to seek help.

CONGRATULATED BY CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

On Tuesday 22nd August, Harriet Alsop-Bingham, a 16 year old CYC member and winner of 2017 Carmarthenshire Radio Local Hero, Child of Courage Award attended a reception at County Hall, Carmarthen with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Chairman Cllr Irfon Jones, Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole, Cllr Glynog Davies and Interim Director of Education & Children Gareth Morgans. At the reception, Harriet was commended for her bravery and determination and in recognition of her achievement was presented with a small gift by Cllr Irfon Jones. Harriet also had the opportunity to share her experiences with elected members and officers.

Cllr Dole said: “Harriet is truly a Child of Courage and deserves this honour. She has not only fought to overcome her personal difficulties, but she has also spoken out publicly to try to help others…. She deserves this recognition which is testament to her strength of character and courage.”

We are so proud of our member Harriet who has deservedly won Carmarthenshire Radio Child of Courage Award 2017 in recognition for the strength, fight and courage she has shown during personal difficulties

Harriet was nominated for this award by Sarah Powell, Senior Participation and Children’s Rights Officer not only for her personal achievements in overcoming difficulties at such a young age, but for becoming a Young Persons Champion. Over the past 12 months Harriet has begun to share her story with other young people and adults alike, to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Harriet, 16 from Garnant said “I am absolutely delighted and so so grateful to have been nominated for the ‘child of courage’ award. Not only was I nominated but I’m over the moon that I have won. I hope that by winning the award it will raise awareness of how mental health issues can affect young people’s lives and that more support is needed. We need to get the message out there that ‘It’s a bad day not a bad life!”

Sarah Powell, said that Harriet “has inspired and motivated her big sister to also campaign by attend meetings, conference, sharing their stories and are also a fundamental part of the National Mental Health Group ran by Young Wales. They champion young people’s mental health issues and both; emphasis the importance of truly listening to their experience, highlighting the need to improve access to young people’s mental health services in Wales, and pass on the message that you are not alone”

Sarah went on to add, “because of the passion to help others and to make a difference to the lives of others I believe Harriet is an extremely worthy winner” Harriet collected her award during Carmarthenshire Radio Local Hearo Awards evening at Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli in early July 2017.

Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people (source: Mental Health Foundation). They include depression, anxiety and self-harming, and are often like Harriet are direct response to what is happening in their lives. Do you need urgent help?

Do you need urgent help?

If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse, or you’re worried about someone you know Meic are ready to listen and support you 
Website: www.meiccymru.org
FREEPHONE: 0808 80 23456
SMS TEXT: 84001
Email: help@meic.cymruh
You’re not alone; talk to someone you trust. Sharing a problem is often the first step to recovery.