Children and Young People Now: Youth Volunteering and Social Action Award

The Mosquito Mission - our charity's pioneering work in training professionals to understand the impact of parental substance misuse on young people - was recognised at a prestigious event in London this week.

Gloucestershire Young Carers' Mosquito Mission team, which comprises young carers who have themselves been affected by their parents' substance misuse, have trained more than 270 police officers, student social workers and adult substance misuse workers .

The project is funded by the Paul Hamyln Foundation and supports young carers to build their self-confidence so they are able to talk openly to professionals about their experiences. Young carers have learned new skills, achieved personal growth and made progress towards their individual aspirations.

Highly Commended in the awards was:
County Durham Youth Offending Service - With Youth in Mind

Finalists included:
Clarion Futures - Community Ambassador Programme
Endure Mentoring - Project X
Kent County Council - UASC Peer Champions
YC Hertfordshire - The Empathy Project