A YOUTH worker who helps young people stay away from crime, drugs and alcohol has been honoured with a major award.
Ann Nicholls, Worcester City Council’s Detached Youth Team Manager, has been recognised for her work helping University of Worcester students learn the skills they need to work with young people.
Leading a team dedicated to engaging with young people across the city, Ann helps them make positive lifestyle choices by visiting schools and youth centres to talk about drugs, alcohol and abusive relationships.
She said: “I feel honoured to be able to work with young people and students, and to see them grow.
“But I feel I’m just doing my job, I don’t expect to win an award!”
Ann has mentored students from the University for seven years and has seen many of them go on to launch successful careers in jobs dedicated to helping and supporting young people.
Jointly run by the NHS and the University, Ann scooped the prize during the Mentor Awards 2016 after being nominated by Callie Artis, a final year student of Youth and Community at the university.
Callie said: “She is just amazing. She’s always there for me and if it wasn’t for Ann I don’t think I’d be graduating next year.”
Councillor Lynn Denham, cabinet member for Sustainable Communities, said: “Ann is dedicated to helping young people in Worcester to make the right choices in their lives and she’s a fantastic ambassador for this important area of the Council’s work.
“It’s great to see her commitment to helping the next generation of youth workers recognised with this award.”
