Jake Bonsall was today announced the winner of the Young Philanthropist category for this year's Beacon Prize.  He was chosen by an independent panel of judges after the public nominated him for his outstanding contribution to charity.

Jake was chosen for his work in helping to turn around the Sheffield estate where he lives. Previously famed for being one of the worst estates in England, Jake has spent over half of his life working with over 200 people on the Manor, training 40 seniors (13 and over) to be community leaders and act as role models to others. His work and achievements have spread throughout the estate and young people are now eager to set up or join groups rather than be drawn into bad behaviour. Jake's work over the past decade, giving his time, effort and ideas, has enabled residents and parents to be proud of their community and children.

Jake's catalyst to act was seeing his brothers getting into trouble like so many others on his estate. In a move that sums up his strong character, Jake decided this was not the future he wanted for either himself or his peers, and set about changing both the perceptions of the estate on which he lived and the perceptions of his peers as to what their future held. He founded numerous successful community programmes, ranging from literacy enhancement programmes to drug awareness schemes.

Emily Stonor, Chief Executive of Beacon, said "Jake is a shining example to all young people in Britain today. He shows just exactly what can be achieved through hard work and a good heart."

Jake added, "It is a surprise and an honour to achieve this award. I'm sure my groups have kept me out of crime and drugs, and I am just happy to help others in the same way."

The Beacon Prize celebrates and raises the profile of charitable giving in the UK by giving recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to charity, whether through giving resources, time or specialist skills. Jake is one of the 2004 Beacon Prize winners, who also include Sir Bob Geldof and Jamie Oliver.

ENDS For further information please contact Jennifer Morgan on 020 7861 8609 or email jmorgan@bell-pottinger.co.uk. or Emily Stonor at Beacon on 020 7849 6550 or email emily.stonor@beaconfellowship.org.uk

Editors Notes:

  BEACON PRIZE 2004

Jake Bonsall for his contribution to his local community, especially his work with other young people

Prize Category: Young Philanthropist

Since 1995 when he was just 11, Jake Bonsall has volunteered as a community activist to raise the profile of young people on his estate and has acted as an exceptional role model, mentor and educator to his peers. Inspired to challenge local perceptions, he has amazingly turned around the community he lives in and created a positive and cooperative environment.

The catalyst for Jake's community activism was the negative perceptions that were associated with the Manor estates in Sheffield and his own family history. Jake had older brothers who had been involved with the criminal justice system and he refused to be similarly labelled by the community. He decided to challenge the attitudes associated with the Manor by getting involved and changing things on the estate for other young people. He was able to reach out to his peers and engage them in social education programmes.

Jake has worked with over 200 young people and children across the Manor, once a haven for drug dealers and anti-social behaviour, and has trained around 40 senior (13 and older) members to become community leaders and volunteers. His work has challenged the perceptions of the Manor as the worst estate in Britain, challenged the local and national press, and raised the profile of young people in Sheffield.

His work and achievements have spread throughout the estate and young people are now eager to set up or join groups rather than be drawn into bad behaviour. His work has involved a Manor Kickers Youth Group, involving 11-13 year olds participating in a range of activity programmes and fundraising initiatives; a peer education drug group, discussing drug prevention; playschemes aimed at engaging at risk children, aged 8-11, in community activities; a youth people and mental health programme, offering peer support; training programmes for volunteers; various literacy enhancement programmes and an environmental and inter-generational project involving adult residents.

Jake is now 21 years old and his work has enabled residents and parents to be proud of their community and children.

"I have known of no other young person with the level of determination, commitment and foresight of Jake.  He is a role model for young people locally and within his community.  His achievements and awards are phenomenal and have truly played a part in redefining the culture of young people on the Manor estates." Wendy Bolton, Project Worker

"He is an incredible role model. Other youngsters see what Jake has done and want to do it." Donna Jones, Team Leader 

Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust (Beacon) seeks to promote an improved culture of giving, in which it is natural for those who are best able to contribute to charitable and social causes, to use their time, energy, ability and resources for the public good.

The Beacon Prize is an annual awards scheme designed to recognise and showcase individuals who have made exceptional contributions to charitable or social causes.  The winners are likely to have helped create or transform a charity, project or cause through providing leadership, skill, time or money.

www.beaconfellowship.org.uk for press releases and biographies of the winners

Beacon Prize Winners 2004:

• Sir Bob Geldof - Leadership
• Dr Mohammad Amran - Community Builder
• Rosalind Portman - New Initiatives
• Professor Peter Guthrie - Creative Giving
• Bruce Crowther - Creative Giving
• Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson - Risk Taking
• Jake Bonsall - Young Philanthropist
• Jamie Oliver - Most Generous Celebrity
• John Studzinsky - Most Generous Business Leader
• Francesca D'Arcy - Most Generous Young Person
• Major Richard Carr-Gomm - Lifetime Achievement
• Sigrid Rausing - Judges' Special Prize
• Dr Frederick Mulder - Judges' Special Prize Ann Cotton - Judges' Special Prize
• Dr Mora Scott - Scotland
• Sir David Rowe-Beddoe - Wales
• Dennis Humble - England
• Niall Fitzduff - Northern Ireland