THE young, compassionate faces of Havens Hospices were recognised for their dedication and commitment at a special ceremony.

Havens Hospices presented certificates of achievement to 20 young people from across Essex who have all been a part of the organisation’s Young Ambassadors project.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 18 are welcome to volunteer in a number of roles, including in the Fair Havens kitchen, day care and creative therapies as well as working with the Stems (Support, Therapy, Education, Music and Specialist Play) team at Little Havens.

The project gives teenagers additional skills and experience for their university applications and CVs as well as engaging them with their community.

Among those awarded were Kieran Brown, 17, from Hadleigh, who has been volunteering as a kitchen assistant at Fair Havens since July last year, and Jack Reynolds-Clark, 17, from Leigh, also a kitchen assistant at the in-patient unit.

EmilyMills, 17, from Thundersley, has been a young ambassador since July last year. She is hoping to study medicine at university and spends one day a week during school holidays with patients in Fair Havens day care.

Andy Smith, Havens Hospices chief executive, presented certificates to the youngsters.

He said: “These young people are a real asset to our community and we should all feel extremely proud of them.

“Amidst studying and coping with the pressures of exams, applying for university or looking for work, our young ambassadors have shown real dedication to the hospices, and they have been a pleasure to have around."

Applications to be a young ambassador next year open in September.

For more information on volunteering, call Volunteer Services on 01702 426237 or visit havenshospices.org.uk/youngambassadors