Philip Lawrence Awards 2011

The PLA is an award set up in memory of Philip Lawrence, the Head Teacher who was murdered after going to the aid of a pupil who was being attacked by a gang in 1995. It recognises the achievements of young people’s projects around the UK that aim to improve local communities. This year the awards are being extended to include those from high-crime areas as well as young people in custody who want to improve their neighbourhoods on release.

Last year’s presentation saw an array of talented young people receive awards. This includes young people taking part in a project set up by the Aldbourne Youth Council in Wiltshire which transformed their village’s old public toilets into a welcoming internet cafe for the community. Volunteers from Hackney in London were also presented with an award for steering clear of involvement in crime and gangs and instead developing skills by repairing bicycles to send to Gambian orphanages and running activities for local young people.