EIGHT young people from Dorset have been awarded The Diana Award in recognition for their work in getting the voices of young people heard.

Working with the support of Participation People, a youth participation company, the young people are all members of Dorset Youth Council with two representing young people in Dorset as Members of the UK Youth Parliament.

Each young person awarded has made significant contributions to local projects and initiatives on behalf of young people in Dorset, including Dorset Youth Proof Charter and Dorset Youth Council Climate Pack. Some have also been involved in #YouthVoice projects in other parts of the UK.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “A huge congratulations to the eight young people who have won this most prestigious award. Thank you for all that you do to champion Dorset’s Youth Voice. Your help to deliver change for young people in Dorset is invaluable.”

The Diana Award was established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. It is the most prestigious accolade a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work. Young people do not work towards the award, rather they demonstrate their suitability through their actions, without any expectation of reward.