16th Anniversary Diana Award Reception
16th Anniversary Diana Award Reception
Talk Direct Founder and MD, Zak Patel, was delighted to be invited to Number 11 Downing Street, to celebrate the Diana Awards 16th Anniversary Reception.
Pictured above is Kate Hardcastle, Ambassador for the Diana Awards and Zak Patel, Talk Direct Founder and MD.
14-year old twins Deborah and Dorcas were honored for tackling gang culture in their local community by Minister for Civil Society Rob Wilson at a reception at Number 11 Downing Street. Deborah and Dorcas from Newham, London received the 45,000th Diana Award at the event which marked the 16h anniversary of The Diana Award.
Patron of the charity, the Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Deborah and Dorcas have worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of other young people. By reaching out to those considering joining a gang, and showing them alternative life choices, they have had a real impact in their local community. They are thoroughly deserving of the 45,000th Diana Award, and a fantastic example of the inspirational young people the awards have recognised over the last 16 years."
The Diana Award is a lifetime award set up in memory of Princess Diana and today has the support of her sons The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry. It celebrates young people who have had a monumental impact on the lives of others - whether they’re a volunteer, fundraiser, young carer, campaigner or anti-bullying champion - they all share a deep sense of social responsibility.
Through a range of unique youth development programmes The Diana Award empowers thousands of young people each year to tackle social issues that affect other young people using a well-tested peer-led approach.
Deborah and Dorcas are part of The Diana Award Mentoring Programme and were mentored by young Diana Award holders. Their campaign highlighted the importance of early intervention and tackled key issues at the root of gang culture. They set out to educate through real-life stories and highlighted alternative routes and life choices to those who may be considering becoming involved in a gang.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson said: "I am delighted to be honouring such a great cause today. The Diana Award has made a huge difference to millions of lives in its 16 years. Deborah and Dorcas’ dedication and hard work is an inspiration to the whole country. This award recognises their commitment to changing lives of people who are at risk and to making their community a safer place to live in.”
Deborah and Dorcas said: "We were truly speechless when we found out that we’d been chosen to receive the 45,000th Diana Award. It is an immense privilege. We feel utterly honoured - it will only spur us on to do more to help others and tackle issues that matter to other young people in our community".
Chief Executive of The Diana Award, Tessy Ojo said: "For the approximately 1,000 young people who now receive this award each year it is truly life-changing. It often comes at a pivotal time in their life. Through our unique training, mentoring and development programmes we empower and motivate them to continue contributing their communities throughout their life".
Talk Direct is delighted to continue their partnership with such an amazing charity that is making a difference to thousands of young people.
Please visit the website to find out more about the only charity allowed to bear the name of Diana, Princess of Wales - www.diana-award.org.uk
