Jack Petchey Foundation receives 500 nominations to recognise young people helping others in lockdown

In April, the Jack Petchey Foundation launched Jack Petchey’s Community Awards, a grant-giving scheme to recognise young people from Essex who are helping their community during the coronavirus outbreak. We have now received over 500 nominations from members of the public and are announcing winners on a rolling basis.

So far we have announced 12 winners from across Essex who have each been awarded £50 and a letter from Sir Jack to congratulate them.

As well as celebrating winners, we are awarding all eligible young people nominated for the scheme with a certificate and a momento to recognise their actions to help others during this difficult time.

Trudy Kilcullen MBE, CEO of the Jack Petchey Foundation said:

“At the Jack Petchey Foundation, young people inspire us all the time with the incredible work they do and that has not stopped in the current situation. We want to recognise more young people across London and Essex doing inspirational things to help their community. We hope these Community Awards will motivate others and truly showcase the positive things young people do every day.”

Winners include Tarkan Ben Oz, age 18, from Thurrock.

Tarkan has volunteered over 200 hours of his time as a First Responder with St John Ambulance in the Lewisham hospital and the ICU at Nightingale London to help others during the covid-19 pandemic.

Tarkan told the Jack Petchey Foundation:

“Having my A-level exams cancelled, I just couldn’t stay at home during this pandemic. Instead, I decided to utilise the skills I learned through volunteering to support the NHS at this critical time. This award means a lot to me because I hope it will inspire other young people to go the extra mile and do something amazing!”

The Jack Petchey Community Awards programme is still open to nominations throughout the lockdown period. Our staff read every nomination and are selecting multiple winners weekly on a rolling basis.

Members of the public wishing to nominate a young person should simply visit www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk/opportunities/jack-petcheys-community-nominations/ and fill out the form to submit their nomination including contact details and reason for nominating.