AN AWARDS scheme which celebrates young people who work hard despite adversity has had a life-changing impact, previous winners say.

The Rock Star Awards take place on Thursday, March 28, at the O2 Academy, and celebrate young people in Dorset and Hampshire.

The awards have been taking place since 2012.

Nat Hawley, who was named Inspirational Star of the Future in 2014, works in London as the partnership and community manager for Exceptional Individuals – described as the first employment partnership for neurodivergent people.

He said: “I have a degree from Bournemouth University in television production. However, my calling was to use my life experience to support others.

“Having adversity in your life and overcoming it inspires you to empower and support others. I have dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism, and use this unique positive experience to make the world a more inclusive place.

“I had always been a spokesperson for charitable organisations. Winning a Rock Star Award was acknowledgement for me as an individual.”

Molly Brown, who won the Shooting Star of the Future award in 2017, said: “It was an amazing feeling to win the award. Whilst I would not consider myself someone with an academic background, to have this award makes you believe in yourself.”

She is team manager at the wealth management company Old Mutual Wealth. “I started with a six-month contract as an administrator and then became team manager. Winning a Rock Star Award isn’t just about recognition on a personal level, but something to be celebrated with colleagues and those we love," she said.

Sponsors, finalists and the business community recently met at the Meet the Finalists event held at AIM Community – the Bournemouth arts, performance and mentoring charity which is one of two good causes to benefit from the event, along with Hampshire’s No Limits South.

Sponsors in attendance included Breeze Volkswagen, Bournemouth University, Greendale Construction, Global Media and Entertainment, Teachers Building Society, Organix Brands, Treehouse Digital, Video Club, Bournemouth and Poole College, Streetwise HR, Dorset Growth Hub, Datacenta, Agincare. Each sponsor had a shortlisted category and conducted an interview panel.

Rock Star Awards founder Angela Piromalli said: “Winning a Rock Star Award is more than being part of an occasion. It is a way to encourage a conversation, celebrate on a wider scale and to have that first sense of recognition beyond studies and early years of full-time employment.

“All our sponsors this year have been fantastic, participated and provided encouragement to others.”

To take part in the ceremony on March 29, visit letsrise.co.uk/rockawards/