We all dream of being the best at something; here is a helping hand.

The Ambition AXA Awards have been created to recognise outstanding young people in The Arts, Community, Enterprise, Science and Sport.

CSV has been invited to provide its expertise for the judging of the Community category which aims to find a young person who cares deeply about their community, dreams of making a significant difference to the people around them and is already making a real contribution.

It might be someone who has launched a campaign to slow down traffic and protect children in the area, or someone who has dedicated themselves to fundraising for their local hospice or someone who has tackled bullying at their school or worked to involve disabled children in their activities.

The Ambition AXA Award for Community aims to enable young people aged 11-18 to achieve their goals, with a unique package of support being offered to the winner to realise these dreams. CSV Chief Executive Lucy de Groot will sit on a panel later this year that will decide the winner of the Community Category. Lucy will be joined by Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder and director of two charities for underprivileged children, The Place2Be and Kids Company. The awards panel is chaired by Sir Alan Steer, who is well known for his work on learning behaviour amongst school children while the Chief Executive of AXA, Paul Evans, is spearheading his company’s awards throughout the UK.

Speaking about the awards, Chief Executive of CSV, Lucy de Groot said:
“Young people are at the heart of their communities, and they are the citizens of tomorrow, so it’s vital that we do whatever we can to support those who are already inspired to make a difference at a young age. Imagine what they can continue to do with that bedrock of support and motivation at the beginning of their lives.”

We want you to help spread the message and to think about young people who might want to apply. It may include people on projects that you run or are aware of. You may know of individuals who have overcome personal challenges or disadvantages to make a difference to others.

More information and details about applying are at: www.ambitionaxaawards.com and www.facebook.com/ambitionaxaawards . You can also follow news by searching for CSV UK on Facebook or linking direct to http://www.facebook.com/CSVUK (don’t forget to click the ‘Like’ button!)

Further press information about CSV: Francesca Toma or Jason Tanner on 020 7812 0037 / 38 or ftoma@csv.org.uk / jtanner@csv.org.uk or 07966 168686 / 07941 433598

Notes for editors
CSV (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. Every year CSV helps transform the lives of over 1 million people. Last year 165,666 people gave their time as volunteers through CSV. The charity worked with 13,423 learners of all ages.  www.csv.org.