Philip Lawrence Awards - Open for Nominations

Head teacher Philip Lawrence, who was murdered in 1995 whilst protecting a pupil outside his school in London, believed that every child was capable of greatness.

His widow, Frances Lawrence, continues Philip's legacy by championing young people and their achievements and she has done this by establishing the Philip Lawrence Awards.

Now in its fourteenth year, the awards celebrate the positive difference young people aged 11 to 20 years old make in their communities across the UK, such as initiating projects that help counter violence, vandalism, racism and bullying.

One such initiative is 'Lives not Knives' which received a Philip Lawrence Award in 2010. The project consists of 16-21 year olds who teach young teens to stay out of gangs and away from knife crime. By making teenagers aware of the effects knife crime has on people, they try to encourage those involved to get out of their gang lifestyle and support others not to become involved in it.

The awards are funded by the Home Office and managed by leading crime reduction charity Nacro. Rakshita Patel, formerly with the Violent and Youth Crime Prevention Unit said: "It is really important that we give young people positive life chances and opportunities, and divert them away from criminal activity and behaviour. This year, we are seeking to broaden the pool of nominations, particularly in high crime neighbourhoods, and extend the reach of the awards to young people in custody."

So if you know a young person making a difference to their communities, then nominate them for the Philip Lawrence Awards. The deadline for submission is 30th September 2011. Click here for more information http://www.philiplawrenceawards.net/nominate/