Cork launch of youth awards

THE actions of selfless young people are to be acknowledged with the launch of the 2011 West Cork Garda Youth Awards.

And, in a separate initiative, 10,000 people will this week begin receiving copies of a new booklet providing information and support for young people and their parents around the issues of alcohol and drug abuse and mental health.

Nominations are already pouring in for the Garda Youth Awards which take place on November 11 in Kinsale.

Held in association with Supervalu, the awards celebrate outstanding young people between the ages of 14 and 21 years.

Garda Damian White of Bantry Garda Station said last year featured a record 120 nominations and it was hoped this year would be equally successful:

“If you know of a young person who is committed to making a difference to their community, please put them forward, as every nominee will receive a certificate, even if they don’t win an award,” he said.

Application forms are now available from West Cork SuperValu stores and at Garda Stations within the area. The closing date is Friday, October 28.

Meanwhile copies of a new booklet, Mise, My Life are being hand-delivered to about 6,000 homes as part of a new drive by the Kinsale Youth Support Services.

“The booklet covers the issues of drugs and alcohol abuse and mental health issues for young people and their parents,” explained the chairman of the project, James O’Mahony.