SUFFOLK FA are supporting the Suffolk HOPE Awards.

The awards have been launched by Suffolk Constabulary, in partnership with Suffolk County Council.

Launched off the back of National Hate Crime Awareness Week in October last year, the aim of the Hope Awards is to recognise and celebrate the positive contributions that young people make within the county.

The pandemic has affected the whole community, however we are particularly aware of the impact on young people and their positive response to the challenges they have faced during the last year.

Secondary schools and education providers for 16 to 18 year olds, along with the public, are being invited to nominate a worthy young person or group who they think have been involved in inspiring projects or activities for themselves and those around them. Nominations are welcome for any young person aged between 11 and 18 years-old, who has gone above and beyond and continued to demonstrate resilience, determination and teamworking, despite the unprecedented circumstances of 2020-21.

As well as Suffolk FA, the awards are fully supported by the East Anglian Daily Times/Ipswich Evening Star, BBC Radio Suffolk and Ipswich Town FC.  

The awards will have a celebration event prior to the end of the academic year 2021 where the achievements of the award winners will be formally recognised.

Nominations are now open and will close on Friday, May 7th 2021.

The categories are as follows:

Diversity – Individuals or groups who have promoted diversity, taken a stand to prevent/stop discrimination, have undertaken activity to help challenge a negative mindset and affected positive change. 

Respect and Kindness– Kindness is often an underestimated attribute; this category aims to recognise actions (both large and small) which demonstrate compassion and an understanding of another’s struggles.

Teamwork –Teamwork is a skill that is carried forward from school to higher education, work and adulthood. By working as a team, the category aims to acknowledge the benefits of sharing ideas and experiences and finding a common approach to solve an issue.

Determination – This category aims to celebrate and recognise the determination and resilience of our young people and reward their positive attitude to finding solutions or helping each other and their community.

As part of the awards process, there will also be an overall ‘HOPE Award’, this will be awarded to a school for their performance and participation in the awards.

Once the nominations have been submitted, each school will select who they wish to put forward in each category. These will then be considered by a county wide judging panel, consisting of representatives from each organisation involved. Overall winners will be selected in each of the four categories and one overall HOPE winner.

In June, the overall winners will be announced and recognised at an awards event.

For the full criteria and to submit an entry via the online application form, visit Suffolk Constabulary’s website by clicking the button below.

click here

Alternatively, a form can be requested by emailing Schools@suffolk.police.uk

Suffolk FA Mini Soccer & Youth Football Development Officer James Morley said: “Suffolk FA are pleased to support the Suffolk Hope Awards.

“These new awards are a great opportunity to recognise those individuals who have shown the core values of the awards throughout the course of the year within their communities.

“It's important for us to Stand Together and support the young people in Suffolk and these awards are a great opportunity to highlight their contributions and give hope to others.”

Further information and frequently asked questions are available by clicking here

Latest news and updates regarding the Suffolk HOPE Awards will be promoted on the constabulary’s and Suffolk County Council’s social media accounts using the hashtags #NohateinSuffolk #HopeAwardsSuffolk