Young Person of the Year: Mohammed Yaseen

Young Person of the Year, Mohammed Yaseen celebrates his award with Mayor of Rochdale, Surinder Biant and Gail Hopper, director of children's services

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Mohammed Yaseen, a police cadet who cares for his severely disabled brother, won Young Person of the Year at the 2015 Mayor’s Youth Awards.

Mohammed, 16, supports his mum and younger brother with the care of his elder brother who has severe and complex needs, providing 24/7 care in all aspects of life including feeding, communicating and mobility.

Despite his dedication, he still finds time to work hard at college, help primary school children with their maths, attend the police cadets weekly and complete his Duke of Edinburgh Award. He is a member of the Rochdale Young Carers forum and has participated in consultations, interview panels and inspection panels to use his own experiences to help others.

The 2015 Group of the Year Award went to Rochdale Borough Disability Forum for their inspirational work and support in projects such as community car washes, gardening, fundraising, community cohesion activity and achieving the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

A host of young people were honoured during the awards, including Serena Cape, 12, a judo black belt and north of England champion who was presented with the Sporting Achievement award and James Scantlebury, 15, whose shoe box appeal has resulted in more than 1,000 families around the world receiving essential household goods and toys, winning him the Charitable Young Person Award.

The winners were presented with a certificate and trophy by the Mayor of Rochdale, Surinder Biant, who was joined by guests including Councillor Donna Martin, the council’s Cabinet Member for children’s services, Conservative leader Councillor Ashley Dearnley, Gail Hopper, Rochdale Borough Council director of children’s services, and Andrea Fallon, director of public health.

Mayor Biant said: “What an amazing group of young people. It is a testament to the strength of the nominations that we had 15 categories this year – every nominee deserves recognition for their passion, determination and consideration for others. They are the embodiment of the heart and goodwill of the residents in this borough and thoroughly deserving of their awards.”

Councillor Martin said: “It never fails to astound me just how much dedication and compassion is displayed by the borough’s children and teenagers, not just in achieving their own goals but especially when it comes to giving and helping other people. These are our future carers, community leaders, business owners and sports stars, and I have to say we are in very good hands indeed.”

The full list of award winners:

• Young Person of the Year: Mohammed Yaseen
• Group of the Year: Rochdale Borough Disability Forum
• Charitable Young Person: James Scantlebury
• Sporting Achievement: Serena Cape
• Volunteering Group Winners: Rochdale Young Advisors Group – Victoria Rothwell, Teegan Gritt, Curtis Greenwood
• Individual Volunteer: Luis Oddy
• Young Carer: Isha Khan
• Inspirational Young Person: Dillon Liptrot
• Positive Community Spirit: Aiden Seville
• Youth Voice: The Den
• Personal Development: Ethan Cornall
• Team Player: Sofia Riley
• Community Contribution: Smallbridge and Belfield Youth Forum
• Personal Achievement: Joe Slattery
• Leadership: Jade Jordan