Cirencester youth worker is on awards shortlist (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester youth worker is on awards shortlist

8:00am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Cotswolds news By Laura Shack

A DEDICATED youth worker who has helped to give young people a voice in Cirencester is in the running for a national award.

Bromford youth worker Clare Bartlett, from the Beeches in Cirencester, has been selected as a finalist for the Youth Worker Award 2012, after being nominated by her local community and co-workers.

The National Youth Awards (NYA) received nominations from all over the UK, but just four finalists have been chosen to attend the Youth Worker Award ceremony next month, where the final winner will be revealed.

Clare impressed the judges with her passion for encouraging and championing young people in their communities.

The 25-year-old launched Cirencester Youth Council in 2008, securing £25,000 in the process to support young people’s enterprising ideas and activities.

Clare has built a successful partnership with Cirencester Town Council to develop other youth services in the town, including the popular Ozone youth club.

Despite these accomplishments, the former Kingshill student said she was in complete shock to have the recognition.

"What I do, I do because I love it," she said. "It’s just an honour to have been nominated, let alone shortlisted."

She will take 18-year-old Alex Burton, who won last year’s Young Citizen of the Year Award, to the ceremony in London on November 8.

"He’s supported me since 2008 and has been a great influence on the youth work we do," she said.

For further information on Youth Work Week and the Youth Worker Award visit nya.org.uk/youth-work-week-2012