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Diana Award Question Time sessions

Recently I was asked to capture the Diana Award Question Time sessions.

The Diana Award recognises and develops young people who change their communities and the lives of others. Many disregard their own difficulties to do this. They challenge negative stereotypes of young people and are compassionate and determined to change society for the better. What is more, they have fun doing it!

Over 27,000 young people have received the Diana Awards since 1999, and they couldn't be prouder of them. They place high value on the prestigious recognition that is given in Princess Diana's name.

Diana Award Holders are some of the most committed and engaged young people in the country, constantly seeking to change their communities for the better.

Recently Diana Award held two Question Time sessions during which their Award Holders and other young people were able to question public figures and experts about the topics which matter to them.

The first session was held at the TalkTalk Group HQ and the second was held at Barclays Commercial in Canary Wharf. After the sessions the Award Holders leading the project turn it into a manifesto for young people, which will be published in Spring 2010. This manifesto will be distributed to all MPs and a range of other bodies that influence Government policy towards young people.

The purpose of the question time session was for young people to have a chance to influence Government decisions in the lead up to the next general election on issues that will impact on both their life and the lives of other young people who are committed to making a positive and lasting impact on society.

The session at TalkTalk Group HQ was chaired by Jo Confino, Executive Editor and Head of Sustainable Development at The Guardian. The other panellists were Sue Berelowitz – Deputy Children’s Commissioner, Sir Paul Ennals – Chief Executive, National Children’s Bureau and they were joined by Jo Hillier – Head of Social Action, The Conservative Party. The panel at Barclays Commercial was lead by John Stonborough - Chair, Partner, Project Associates and he was joined by Dr Tony Breslin CEO, The Citizenship Foundation, Chris Cloke - Head of Child Protection Awareness, NSPCC, Catherine French - Director of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Barclays and Helen Walker - CEO , Timebank.

Both sessions addressed the following issues:

1) What are the barriers to young people volunteering and taking an active role in their communities, and what action is needed to overcome these barriers?

2) How can we help young people to combat binge drinking, drug taking, anti-social behaviour and knife crime in their communities?

3) What can we do to help young people change the negative perceptions of them in the media and society?

4) What can be done to help young people avoid poverty and financial exclusion during and after the recession, and to help young people into work?

5) How can we help young people to prevent bullying in schools, universities and the workplace?

The sessions had some fascinating discussions and the young people had an opportunity to air their views. All throughout the sessions I captured the images to reflect the events.