Celebration for youngsters and partners involved in Corby's Jam team

About 100 people attended the annual celebration for the Jam team, a scheme set up by Ann-Marie Lawson and Julie Mead in 2006 after concerns were raised about the level of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Corby.

Its team of youth workers work 365 days a year and deliver a wide range of services to young people across Northamptonshire.

Programme manager Ann-Marie Lawson said: “The night was great.

“We really like to recognise the young people and the partners that have helped us along the way to achieve the great results that we have because it does change people’s lives.”

Partners include Northamptonshire Police, Corby Council, Corby’s town centre manager Dan Pickard and Groundwork Northamptonshire.

The team has also been supported in recent years with funding from the Big Lottery’s Reaching Communities fund.

Ann-Marie said she was very proud of everyone connected to the Jam team, especially the youth workers, and added: “When I look at the Jam team, I just see true altruism.

“You can’t put a price on it.

“They work 365 days a year and are on call until midnight.”

She was full of praise for all the youngsters involved as well as the partners, especially Corby Council.

She added: “Corby Borough Council is absolutely amazing.

“Its community safety partnership is fantastic, they support us every step of the way.”

Of the 100 people there on the night, about 80 of them were young people and they got to share their stories about what the scheme means to them.

The Jam team is aimed at young people aged 13 to 17 who are involved in or at risk of being involved in anti-social behaviour and low level criminality.

The programme works with them in target hotspot areas and uses various ways, including sport, drama, music, art and dance, to engage them in activities that meet their needs and expectations.

They try to offer youngsters the support, advice, opportunities and voice that they deserve.

The awards night was held at the Masonic Hall in Corby.

For more information about the Jam team, click here

The winners were:

Remarkable community involvement award - Rebecca Kerfoot

Outstanding young volunteer award - William Walker

Triumph award - Peter Stephenson

Young achiever award - Daniella Verde

Diligence and general excellence award - Steven Bersey