Globe-trotting guide gives back by helping to run Rainbows

A young Luton woman who has become a local and national asset to Girlguiding is in a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation.

As well as being an adult leader in training of 1st Rambridge Rainbows in south Luton, 19-year-old Hollie Thompson has represented Girlguiding at international events in Switzerland and India.

Now she has been nominated for the Atlas Converting Young People of the Year awards or ‘YOPEYs’ – Oscars for young people who

Boy who wasn't a scout helps out with Beavers

A Fairfield boy who has never been in the scouts so impressed a scout leader with his commitment and dedication to younger children she has put him forward for a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation.

Fourteen-year-old Reuben King initially volunteered to help with Cub Scouts, aged 8 to 10, towards his bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. However, he enjoyed helping so much that he continues to support the younger children even though he has qualified for the award.

Now

Amelia helped mum beat cancer and is an assistant tutor at school

A Sharnbrook schoolgirl supported her mum through a harrowing cancer journey and is now in a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation.

Seventeen-year-old Amelia Augustine and her family, who live in Bedford, were shocked when her mum Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer towards the end of 2015. A difficult time followed as Kathy underwent a mastectomy as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Although Amelia was preparing for her GSCEs, she gave up

'People person' Dominika helps victims of crime

Opening up to a teenager about being the victim of a really nasty crime might not be easy for an older person. But in Dominika Greszczak – at the age of 18 – Luton Victim Support has found an ‘older head on young shoulders’.

Dominika is a volunteer at the service which provides one-to-one support to crime victims of all ages, listening to them, giving emotional and practical support and helping them through to the other side of a traumatic event.

She has just finished a three-year Public Services

Helping autistic children helped Elizabeth grow in confidence

An inspiring young woman who gives up her free time to make a difference to the lives of autistic children, is in a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation.

Nineteen-year-old Elizabeth Simpson, from Roxton, has spent the last four years volunteering for youth groups and play schemes for Autism Bedfordshire. In doing so, she has also managed to tackle her own shyness and lack of confidence.

Now she has been nominated for the Atlas Converting Young People of

Law student uses knowledge she is learning to help others

A young woman who is helping others in different ways while studying for a law degree is in a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation.

Nineteen-year-old Chloe Corcoran not only has a paid role advising other students at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) but also volunteers with a charity and a society.
 
Now Chloe has been nominated for the Atlas Converting Young People of the Year awards or ‘YOPEYs’ – Oscars for young people who ‘give

Emily volunteers to help overcome anxiety

A Dunstable teenager who volunteers to help her overcome anxiety is in a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation.

Seventeen-year-old Emily Williams, of Saxon Close, has clocked up nearly 100 hours helping others.

Now she has been nominated for the Atlas Converting Young People of the Year awards or ‘YOPEYs’ – Oscars for young people who ‘give to others’.

The annual contest has over £1000 to be won by Bedfordshire young people who

Roshni opens her heart about fighting eating disorder

For positive stories about this YOPEY entry in the media – click on See More left

A Bedfordshire girl of Asian heritage is battling an eating disorder partly by writing a ‘positivity’ newsletter for fellow mental health sufferers

Now Roshni Patel, from Ampthill, is in a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation. The 16-year-old has been nominated for the Atlas Converting Young People of the Year awards or ‘YOPEYs’ – Oscars for young people

Recovering anorexic Kirsty campaigns on mental health

An inspirational young woman who is using the tales of her own battle with anorexia to help other young people overcome similar troubles is in a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation.

Teenager Kirsty Spicer, from Dunstable, is determined to ensure that something positive comes out of her struggles with the eating disorder and writes a popular blog, which East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) regularly promotes to help other young people.

In recognition of her

Josh updates school theatre and volunteers in community

A teenager who played a pivotal role in revamping the theatrical lighting in his school is in a competition that hails the ‘giving to others’ of Bedfordshire’s younger generation.

Sixteen-year-old Josh Mitchell always had a keen interest in theatre design. Despite living in Dunstable he applied to go to Cedars Upper School in Leighton Buzzard because of its theatre.

Over the last two years he has redesigned and updated the lighting rig for the school theatre, allowing staff and students to enjoy better