Article appeared in The Philip Lawrence Awards Magazine 2006

Since winning a Philip Lawrence Award in 2005 the City Angels project, which tackles bullying and promotes community safety in Sheffield, has gone from strength to strength. The award has raised the profile of the work that the young people do, by generating publicity and interest from other schools and youth projects. As well as local radio and newspaper coverage, the young women were invited to the Lord Mayor’s Parlour and asked questions about their project and achievements. “The Philip Lawrence Award has meant a lot to us,” explains Bridie. “It’s meant that some-body has recognised the work of City Angels, and it’s raised awareness of bullying. All of which helps us to speak up for people who are being bullied and to encourage other people to get involved in community work.”

There were originally eight young women buddying eight young disabled people but now there are double that, with another eight recruited and ready to be trained. It is now a continuous rolling programme. It has been easier for the group to get funding since winning the award, with further funding gained from The Princes’ Trust and the Local Community Network. And in the last year, the young people as individuals have also achieved – two of them have changed career direction as a result of their involvement in the project, and are now training in childcare. In particular, Bridie Pitsch, one of the original volunteers, has gone on to win a Yorkshire Young Achievers Award, High Sheriff’s Award, is a regional finalist for the Nationwide Award, and has been short listed for the Young Philanthropist Award.