Two Rhondda Cynon Taf students have received The Diana Award 2020

Written by on 9th July 2020

Two Rhondda Cynon Taf students have received The Diana Award 2020 in recognition of their work in their communities.

Alysa Neads and Declan Andrews-Jones were among just eight inspirational children and teenagers from across Wales, and only 184 recipients to be presented with the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts – The Diana Award. Alysa was the youngest recipient in Wales.

Listen to Gareth Williams talking to Mountain Ash Comprehensive School teacher David Church about the award

Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Award is given out by the charity of the same name and has the support of both her sons, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex.

Alysa Neads, a Year 10 student at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, has been described as “incredible and inspirational” for her outstanding social action, resulting in her helping raise over £3,000 for a community project in Penrhiwceiber.

Declan Andrews-Jones, 16, is a student at Hawthorn High School and a Peer Mentor at his school, providing support for anyone who may experience bullying. He is also a youth ambassador with the award-winning charity Bullies Out, which uses positive and practical solutions as it engages, empowers and inspires young people to overcome bullying and to achieve their full potential.

Alysa and Declan are both delighted to be recipients of The Diana Award 2020, having taken part in a virtual ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The ‘Mission’ of The Diana Award charity is to foster, develop and inspire positive change in the lives of young people across the UK. It is the only charity set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Cllr Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, said: “I would like to congratulate both

Alysa and Declan on being honoured at The Diana Awards 2020 in recognition of the wonderful work they do, both in their communities and within their school environments.

“Alysa and Declan have both received The Diana Award 2020 in recognition of their social action and humanitarian work through the charity’s anti-bullying and mentoring programme.

“The anti-bulling work of The Diana Awards encourages change in attitudes and behaviours for young people by young people, which is something supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

“All of our young people have voices that deserve to be heard. Young people have the opportunity to help us all change the world and The Diana Awards allows our young people to have their say at the highest level.”.


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