Award for Newcastle Emlyn teenager

Adam Cousins, aged 16 from Newcastle Emlyn has won the Carmarthenshire High Sheriff's Award.

Adam, who is currently studying for his GCSE’s at Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn, was nominated for the award by youth volunteering officer, Fflur Hughes of CAVS.
Adam is an instrumental member of the CAVS Youth Grant Panel and is also the vice chair of Carmarthenshire Youth Council, a Carmarthenshire Funky Dragon representative and a member of the Teifi Youth Forum.
When Adam was 15 years old he completed all levels of the CAVS Youth Volunteering Scheme, reaching 20,30,50 and 100 hours in a small space of time. Since turning 16 a few months ago, he has joined the Millennium Volunteers Scheme and has already received his 50 hours certificate within 2 months of registering. Adam is a passionate, dedicated and much valued volunteer with all the organisations his involved with. Through his volunteering, he has been able to have the opportunity to work towards recognised OCN qualifications in; Volunteering and Community Involvement, Planning and Event and Participation and Youth Forum.
Adam suffers from High Frequency Autism and epilepsy and has recently been through a lot in his personal life, but hasn’t let this affect his volunteering. His voluntary work has helped him through and allowed him to have something to focus on.
Fflur Hughes said:
“Along with all his school work and other personal commitments, Adam still manages to find time to volunteer with not only one, but several organisations.
“He has developed new skills, qualifications, confidence and belief in himself. Adam is very proud of the voluntary work he does and thrives on helping and better things for other young people in the area he lives and the county of Carmarthenshire.”
Sarah Powell, Carmarthenshire Council’s Young People’s Participation Officer added:
“It’s a privilege to work with Adam and I’m so proud to see how much he’s developed both personally and socially through his voluntary work. It’s an honour to be able to nominate Adam for this award.
“Adam continues to work tirelessly along with other young people to help better services and get their voices heard in Carmarthenshire.”
Adam will receive his award at a ceremony held at the CAVS in Carmarthen on Thursday April 5.
Adam has also been shortlisted for a GwirForce Inspirational Young Person Award and will be attending an event on Thursday May 3 at Cardiff Bay.