The voice of youth in Dartford
Watch our video featuring Princess (Chairman), Ricky (Vice Chair), Zapran (Secretary), Danielle (P.R Officer) and Sanya (Member), where they discuss some of their highlights being on the council, and why you should join.
To join the Dartford Youth Council, complete this form and a member from the Executive Committee will shortly get in touch. For press enquiries or for other matters, please see our Contact Us page.
The Dartford Youth Council has been honoured for its benevolent work at the annual Try Angle Awards Ceremony at Princes Park, Dartford FC.
The awards were introduced in 1994 to raise the profile of young people in the community who really TRY, often with little or no recognition, to do their best.
Over the past year, Dartford Youth Councillors have given young people a voice as well as many new opportunities through their Monthly Meetings, their involvement with the Dartford Youth Advisory Group and representation at the annual Remembrance Parade and Dartford Festival.
Reflecting on an inspirational night, Toju, Dartford Youth Council’s Treasurer commented: “The awards night was wonderful; hearing the stories of all the winners and the struggles some had to overcome at such a young age shows the resilience and strength of young people nowadays. It also keeps me motivated to carry on the good work DYC does for those in the community of all ages and backgrounds.”
Dartford Youth Councillor Krista added: “The Try Angle Awards was very inspirational as so many young people have done good things not only for themselves, but also for others too, and it was nice to see that they get recognition for what they have done.”
Other young people including artists, musicians, activists and other people who really TRY were recognised at the event, with winners coming from Sevenoaks, Gravesham and Dartford to celebrate at Dartford’s Princes Park.
For more details about the Try Angle Awards, click here.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Arts | GYG Prop Committee, Gravesend |
| Music | Matthew Wadey, Rochester |
| Sport or outdoor activities | Chrystal Touch, Gravesend |
| Community action | UASC Champions, Ashford |
| Good friends and young carers | Megan Chandler, Gravesend |
| Personal development | Horses 4 Health, Gravesend |
| Courage | Keyleigh Nash, New Ash Green |
| Positive intervention | Youth Naage, Gravesend Rafal Kotowicz and Young Interpreters – Gravesend |
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Arts | Oliver Winter, Hawley |
| Music | Teddy Dann, Dartford |
| Sport or outdoor activities | Bailey Eaton, Dartford |
| Community action | Dartford Youth Council, Dartford |
| Good friends and young carers | Ryan Reeves, Dartford |
| Personal development | Elle Green, Swanscombe |
| Courage | Annie Gale, Dartford |
| Positive intervention | Joseph Bullock, Dartford |
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Arts | Matthew Elgar, Sevenoaks |
| Sport or outdoor activities | Zak Barton, Swanley |
| Community action | Tia Batchelor, Four Elms |
| Good friends and young carers | Daniel Gurney, Sevenoaks |
| Personal development | Nizamuddin Oryakhail, West Kingsdown |
| Courage | Jake Starr, Sevenoaks |
| Positive intervention | Nia Brown, Edenbridge |
Secretary of the Dartford Youth Council and Spirit of Try Angle Award finalist was invited by the Chairman of Kent County Council, Cllr Ann Allen MBE to perform at the reception of her Civic Reception.
Those present include the Lord Mayor of Canterbury as well as the mayors of other districts, the Deputy Lieutenant Stephen Kingsman, Honorary Aldermen, Kent County Council councillors, as well as members of Kent Youth County Council with the Chairman’s focus this year on working with young people.
Thanks to Stephen Kingsman DL, representing @LordLieutKent , all the representatives from @KYCC and the representatives of @ylfcharity for supporting my Civic Reception last night pic.twitter.com/c9OoQ51uv5
— KCC Chairman (@KCCChair) June 12, 2019
Also present were representatives from the Young Lives Foundation – this is a dedicated children’s charity tirelessly working to improve the lives of young people through volunteering schemes, mentoring and more.
Dartford Youth Councillors can attend the Dartford Young People’s Partnership Conversation (formerly known as the Youth Advisory Group), a body of representatives that involve young people aiming to improve Dartford such as the improvement of social provisions in fields such as mental health and more.
To find out more about the Dartford Young People’s Partnership Conversation and how to join the Dartford Youth Council, contact Ricky: secretary@dartfordyouthcouncil.com
By Ricky, Secretary
Twenty-four finalists from this year’s Try Angle Awards were awarded prizes in recognition of their hard work and commitment at the Ashford International Hotel in the Spirit of Try Angle Awards celebration evening.
Various dignitaries and sponsors attended such as Bill Butler, who created the awards in 1994 to raise the profile of young people who really TRY, often with little or no recognition who try their best.
To nominate someone for the Try Angle Awards 2019, please see the Try Angle Awards website for more details: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/young-people/try-angle-awards
An outstanding and flawless performer and singer, who has grown in confidence on and off stage and in her support to the Gifted Young Gravesham (GYG) committee.
An incredible screenwriter and actor who has written, created and produced a successful screenplay to reflect personal experiences of mental health issues and an insight of young people living with the reality of depression.
A truly inspirational artist with an amazing superpower who has found sanctuary in drawing and painting, going on to produce now some outstanding art pieces despite many daily challenges.
An outstanding volunteer and fundraiser for many good causes and supporting his local parish, bringing much needed life saving equipment and training to his community and more.
Not only an incredible host, but an aspirational leader and Chair for the H4U committee raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing, a voice on hate crime. Giving every waking hour to raising the profile of H4U and young people.
A dedicated group endlessly promoting dementia awareness, encouraging incredible friendships and support through their dementia cafes, presentations and activities to those suffering and their carers.
An extremely courageous person who heroically strives to overcome barriers in life, including physical to pursue her goals whatever pain she is in or whatever life throws.
An extraordinary young carer who supports both parents, and her siblings who bravely stepped into action calmly to administering life-saving skills.
An amazing and brave young man diagnosed with leukaemia, an ambassador for young people and a fundraiser raising money Cancer Research to support others.
A remarkable young person providing over 55 hours per week caring for others within her family across three different households – giving all her time and energy to support those she cares for.
An amazing young carer, often in many difficult and frightening circumstances, relaying clear information to the emergency services. Always remaining calm and reassuring to all those around her.
An incredibly brave and supportive friend, that despite her own issues put everything aside to be the best friend she could possibly be and support her friend in her final months.
A talented guitarist, musician and volunteer giving much time and support to others, to encourage them to do well at school in particularly music.
A fine composer, way beyond his years specialising in choral music and studying now at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, completing regularly with composers worldwide. YouTube: CCGS Advanced Vocal Ensemble
A much recognised musician excelling in piano, flute and general musicianship playing at a number of prestigious venues. As well as encouraging others to take up a musical instrument.
A resilient young person who despite many challenges including dyspraxia and grief, has shown unbelievable strength, determination and confidence to throw herself into everything especially performing arts.
An incredible young person, aspiring others having turned her own life around. Making tremendous efforts through sheer determination to succeed both at home and school.
An inspirational young person sharing his story to assist in the prevention of young people getting involved in gangs, drugs and weapons, and those within the criminal justice system.
A remarkable positive person who ensures young people have a voice and a safe place to speak out about their sexuality and other issues that impact on their lives.
A determined and driven young person who does so much to raise awareness for mental health and promote positive well-being for young people, via online blogs, social media and many other creative projects.
Both are keen and highly successful footballers for Maidstone United Raiders Disability Football Club, winning cups, medals and leagues as well as overcoming many challenges.
A modest sportsperson and outstanding goalkeeper for Folkestone Invicta Under 18’s squad, and so happens to be a black belt in karate chosen to represent Team GB in the world championships, with possibility of Olympic selection.
An all-round sports star focusing on his passion for Rugby, playing and captaining for The Saracens. Captains a number of sport disciplines and successfully competing in athletic competitions also in 800m and 1500m events.
By Ricky, Secretary
The perfect addition to a mouth-watering BBQ or just a generally delicious, fresh and cheap everyday snack! This is my own simple recipe for an easy-peasy healthy dressing!
By Ricky, Secretary
This must-have recipe for all keen lovers of a good Sunday roast is adapted from BBC Good Food.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, and fibre and are almost fat-free! Wicked!
By Ricky, Secretary
This recipe from Real Meals (a recipe pack from Change4Life) is the perfect warm soup for a cold winter’s day.
Hearty and healthy, this soup is easily adaptable so you could try adding your own seasonal vegetables. Have fun!
By Ricky, Secretary
Members of DYC had the opportunity to attend a one-day trip to Ypres to visit the Menin Gate, and other museums and cemeteries.
We started the day off in the early morning at Dartford Borough Council where we were then promptly picked up by coach to go to Dover.
We enjoyed playing several games of card games Cheat! and Go Fish! on the ferry before we were welcomed by the sunny weather at Calais.
The ceremony at Menin Gate was a great time to reflect on the fallen soldiers who fought for our lives today.
The Dartford Youth Councillors, yet weary, enjoyed the trip.
Dartford Youth Council