Teen’s charity work to fight bullying wins Diana Award

A TEENAGER has received an award in memory of Princess Diana for his work with an anti-bullying charity.

Declan Andrews-Jones, from Whitchurch, Cardiff, is passionate about raising awareness of bullying and dedicates his time to supporting his peers who have been or are being bullied.

The 16-year-old has volunteered for the anti-bullying charity BulliesOut since he was 10 and has been a youth ambassador at Hawthorn High School in Pontypridd since 2016.

Now in recognition of his achievements, Declan has received the Diana Award, which is regarded as the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts.

His mum Vicci Barnhouse said: “As a parent, you are proud every day of your child’s achievements but we always knew with Declan that he would change the world we live in.

“When we found out he had won the Diana Award, we were absolutely thrilled to bits for him. He’s worked so hard for so many years and he’s dedicated so much of his free time, it was lovely to see him being rewarded.”

As part of his role, Declan participates in regular meetings, offers training, assists with events and activities and provides support for anyone who may be experiencing bullying, referring them to members of staff when required.

He often visits local primary schools and holds BulliesOut events to help children understand what bullying is and gives them support if they are being bullied.

The Diana Award bills itself as the living legacy of Princess Diana’s belief that young people can change the world for the better.

Prince Harry paid a surprise tribute to young people working to make a change across the world as he presented some of the awards in memory of his late mother, via video message earlier this month.

Diana Award CEO Tessy Ojo said: “We congratulate all our new Diana Award recipients who are changemakers for their generation.

“We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens.

“For over 20 years The Diana Award has valued and invested in young people, encouraging them to continue to make a positive change in their communities and lives of others.”