As the dates for Youthwork the Conference inches closer, the preparation committee readies to educate and inspire thousands of youth workers. This year, the event will take place 10th-13th November in Southport and 17th-19th November in Eastbourne.

|PIC1|Apart from seminars and worship, Youthwork the Conference will once again be recognising the works of youth workers through the prestigious Youthwork awards.

Last year two awards were presented over two weekends at Youthwork the Conference in Southport and Eastbourne. Gifts to the winners included Wesley Owen vouchers and a complementary holiday to Spring Harvest's holiday park in France, Las Pas Opton.

The Southport conference winners were both full time youth workers. Jon Allen, a youth worker who headed up numerous events in the Southport area, and also Jon Turner, a youth worker involved in a number of youth networks in Leeds.

Whilst in Eastbourne Ted and Veronica Graham were given an award for their long standing commitment to their church in Plymouth. Lol Scott-Farnell was also awarded for pioneering various youth initiatives in Bournemouth.

Russell Rook, the Chair of Youthwork, the Partnership Committee said: "It is a real privilege to be able to acknowledge the dedication shown by youth workers to the many young people in their communities."

He continued: "We know that our award winners represent many more youth workers throughout the nation and we hope that by honouring a small handful in this way we are communicating how vital a role youth work plays in our society."

This year's award nominations have already begun and people are invited to put forward dedicated youth workers attending Youthwork the Conference 2006. People can be nominated for full or part time, salaried or volunteer youth work.

Such an award could offer the opportunity to affirm and encourage them in their role, according to the Youthwork website.

Last year, around 1,700 youth leaders from across the UK attended Youthwork the Conference, held over two weekends at two venues. Taking the theme 'Infinite Possibilities - reimagining mission to the digital generation', speakers lined up so far include Andy Hickford, Russell Rook, Pete Greig, Gavin Calver, Katei Kirby and Jill Rowe. Worship in the Main Sessions will be led by Gareth Robinson and Andy Flannagan.