Derby Graduate Up For Community Award
10 November 2009
Shelly Littlejohn pictured with her family at graduation 2009
I'm thrilled that Shelley's extensive contribution to the community has been recognised with this nomination, especially as this is so soon after she completed the BA (Hons)Creative Expressive Therapies programme
”Judie Taylor, University of Derby Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies
A University of Derby graduate has been nominated for an award for helping to improve community relations in her home town.
Shelly Littlejohn, 23, from Ipswich, has been nominated for her voluntary work to improve relations in her mixed-race community by the Waterfront Community Centre in Grimwade Street, Ipswich, where she is a volunteer. Part of a national scheme called 'Young People of the Year' or 'YOPEY' for short; Shelly's award is sponsored by Suffolk Police.
YOPEY was set up by former national newspaper journalist Tony Gearing to counter the 'bad press' that the younger generation are labelled with because of the anti-social behaviour of a few. It has been endorsed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown who called the contest "a wonderful celebration of Britain's youth."
Shelly graduated from the University of Derby in 2009 after gaining a grade 2.1 on the BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies (Drama pathway) course. Her dissertation focused on the use of drama with young offenders.
Shelly's talents are in great demand in the Ipswich area. Not only is she an active volunteer at the Waterfront Community Centre, her paid employment with the Suffolk Youth Offending Team, also based in Ipswich, sees Shelly supporting some of the most prolific young offenders in the hope of preventing further offending through arts, sports and media projects.
She also works with young people who are at high risk of offending by offering support through theatre in education performances.
Shelly also takes sole responsibility for organising the Ipswich Respect Festival, which aims to celebrate diversity and promote an anti-discrimination message to the whole community. This takes place at the end of September each year in Ipswich and attracts over 2,000 people. Her YOPEY nomination also covers her festival work.
As a nominee for the Suffolk YOPEY, Shelly could win the top prize of £1,000 in a contest which has a total of £4,000 to give away to inspirational young people.
Shelly said: "I believe so strongly in the power of people, and that with the right support everyone can shine and reach their full potential. My training at University enforced this belief and showed me that the arts can be that support system.
"Ipswich Respect Festival has just celebrated a successful sixth year and its aim is to bring the people of Ipswich together in unity for a day of fun alongside the serious message of stamping out prejudices in our community. I am proud to coordinate the event and to try to make a difference."
Judie Taylor, University of Derby Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies added: "I'm thrilled that Shelley's extensive contribution to the community has been recognised with this nomination, especially as this is so soon after she completed the BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Therapies programme."
"It's inspiring to see she's put her learning to such good use in working both professionally and creatively with others, and we wish her all the best for the award.
"The degree remains unique in Britain, and students who specialise in one of four pathways: Art, Dance, Drama or Music; study the expressive and therapeutic potential of the arts and creativity.
"In addition this degree offers an excellent grounding for training in Arts Therapies and Teaching, while other graduates progress to many and varied careers within health, education, community and voluntary sectors, where the potential of the arts and creativity in promoting wellbeing is increasingly being recognised."
Shelly will know if she is a regional winner in an awards ceremony to be held on Saturday 22 November. Find out more about the Young People of the Year awards at www.youngpeopleoftheyear.org.
For further information on this story please contact Alumni Relations Officer Laura Ratcliffe on 01332 591368 or mobile 07768 091248 or email: l.ratcliffe@derby.ac.uk.
