Youth worker Starr of White Rose awards

Kirklees Council assistant youth worker Starr Zaman, who supports the Batley, Birstall and Birkenshaw area team, received a White Rose Community award for leading a health and wellbeing programme in deprived areas.

The project – called the Active Lifestyle Scheme – encourages young people to take responsibility for their own health by improving their diet and taking part in physical activities.

It also encourages them to drink alcohol in moderation and provides advice on managing long-term conditions such as diabetes.

In turn, the young people become advocates for their own communities and promote the message to others to lead a more active, healthy lifestyle.

Starr said: “I am overwhelmed to have received the award and to be in the company of outstanding, brave, courageous and influential people who have received an award from the White Rose shopping centre.

“I personally think this award is for all the people who come and take part in activities that I help out with and who want to make a change.”

Coun Peter O’Neill (Lab, Batley West), cabinet member for children’s services, added: “I’m delighted that Starr’s dedication to local communities has been recognised and celebrated.

“This award is evidence of just one of the many ways the council is supporting local people and making a real difference.”

The White Rose Awards, which are in their second year, recognise people who do outstanding work to benefit the community.