About GoldStar 
| Name | Age |
Project |
|---|---|---|
 Neil Watson |
21 |
Voda |
Neil wants to improve his job prospects. So he's doing a great job helping the local community.
The North Tyneside Active Youth Project could have been named in honour of Neil Watson. He must be the most active youth in North Tyneside. Undeterred by Asperger’s syndrome or the challenge of finding a job, Neil tackles every challenge life throws at him with energy and enthusiasm. In between contemporary dance classes in the week and cheering on his beloved Whitley Bay FC at weekends, Neil crams in a whole raft of voluntary projects that help the local community while helping him to build his credentials for full time work. Having entered the volunteer world by helping out at Newcastle's Discovery Museum, Neil quickly realised that meeting and talking to new people enhanced his social skills and increased his confidence. Since signing up for the Active Youth Project, he's done everything from whale watching, bird watching and gardening for the elderly to setting up (and hosting a show on) an online radio station called Youth Voice FM. Fired up by the confidence of hundreds of volunteering hours, Neil had the courage to do stand-up comedy at an awards event he helped organise. He was also prepared to get up at a conference and give a talk about bullying and how to combat it. His drawer full of certificates includes a 12 week Princes' Trust course and he's currently finishing off a three month job seekers programme based at South Shields YMCA. It's all part of acunning plan, as he explains:
“It's great having experience and certificates. It means I can brag to people in a suit. Because people at VODA have helped me, I'm able to help other people. I don't worry about making mistakes. I can go somewhere instead of staying at home. I can attempt everything.”
And knowing Neil, he probably will.
Manager's comment:
“Neil typifies our mission to encourage and enthuse young people who might not normally come forward. We get them involved straight away in fun projects and encourage their ideas. That’s why someone like Neil has been able to do amazing things like running a radio station. We also reward volunteers and get lots of PR. While Neil has starred at conferences and enjoyed lots of curry nights, other volunteers have even made it to meet the Queen and Tony Blair.”
