Young Plymouth role model celebrated with a British Citizen Youth Award

TWENTY THREE inspiring youngsters from across the UK were recognised at this year’s British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) for their extraordinary contribution to society, charities and good causes.

Bethany Groves from Plymouth was honoured for her volunteering work with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) at a formal presentation held at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday 18th October, attended by 120 guests including host, Rt. Hon. Lord Dholakia, patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Nicky Cox MBE and presenter Ashley Banjo.

Now in its third year, the BCyA, in association with Specsavers, highlights individual acts of bravery, kindness and compassion from young people across the UK.
Incredible stories

Bethany, aged 15, is an inspiration to anyone who might be thinking of volunteering. From the age of 12 she has been dedicating several hours a week helping out at her local tennis club.

As the first volunteer at the St Budeaux tennis club in Plymouth she was nominated for her dedication and hard work coaching children aged 3 to 8. Beth uses games to teach balance and co-ordination skills and uses her experiences to encourage others to lend their time.

Bethany says: ‘I am so excited and honoured to be getting this award. For me volunteering is about giving something back. I know through my own experiences that life can be a little tricky sometimes and I think it’s important to look out for young people and give them something to help them have fun and take their mind off anything they might be going through. Above all I feel that volunteering is so much fun and would recommend it to anyone who might be thinking of taking it up’.

Sarah Groves, Bethany’s Mother says: ‘I am so proud of my daughter and everything she has achieved. I know she gets a huge amount of happiness and her enthusiasm is really infectious and that is why more people are following her example after hearing her story. Her dedication to volunteering doesn’t finish at the St Budeaux tennis club she also gives her time to the Plymouth Special Olympics at her local YMCA  where she helps with activities for adults with disabilities. I know that she has inspired lots of other young people to take up volunteering and that is an amazing achievement at 15 years old’. 

Bethany received her BCyA medal from Ashley Banjo, creative director and lead dancer of Diversity, whose dance troupe won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent.

‘This time last year I was invited to present the British Citizen Youth Award for the first time.  I was amazed by the endeavours of all the young medallists who came from all corners of the UK.  The inclusivity of the Award is stunning and the medallists really are representative of all that is good about Britain’s younger population.

‘I am honoured to be able to play a part in the British Citizen Youth Awards.  These inspirational young people are making a difference and encouraging other young people to do the same’.

Dr Josie Forte, store director of Specsavers Plymouth, says: ‘As a partner of the British Citizen Youth Awards, it is always uplifting to hear about the amazing things that local young people are doing both within our community and across the UK.

‘Whether it be raising money for charity or helping those in need, we want to grow awareness of these achievements and inspire the next generation of children to make a similarly positive impact on society.’

Following the formal medal presentations, all guests were treated to an Open Top Lap of Honour Tour of the capital courtesy of Big Bus London, which has supported the BCyA since its inception.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 medal presentations, register online at www.britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk