Wear 25: Rising role model Anya Jarvis celebrated for community leadership

Anya Jarvis has been awarded one of February’s Wear 25 awards recognising her continued commitment to community work through the Premier League Kicks sessions at Boldon Community Association.

Anya was among the first participants in an all-girls group launched in January 2023 when she was in Year 6. The group was created to support young people during this important stage of development by building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and developing new skills in a supportive environment.

One of the projects the group got involved in was the South Tyneside Mayor’s Award, a similar programme to the Duke of Edinburgh Award which encourages volunteering, connecting with the community, and taking on new challenges.

Anya has tackled the Mayor’s Award enthusiastically, and in the last three years, she has completed the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards.

Some of her projects during this time include supporting a local community allotment, taking part in litter picks, and creating Christmas and Easter gift bags.

Anya has also taken part in fundraising initiatives, securing sensory equipment for a community nursery, and has displayed leadership skills in planning and delivering group projects.

The Wear 25 award goes to Anya in recognition of her taking on a mentoring role with the group. Having completed the Mayor’s Award, and now one of the older members of the group, Anya has been using her experience to mentor younger members, while continuing to lead on arts and fundraising projects.