Deaken Towel wins Echo County Durham Together Award

Initially shy and lacking confidence, Deaken’s attitude and drive changed when he became a young volunteer at Shildon Alive after struggling with his transition into secondary school.

Since then, he’s been helping people coming into the charity with their shopping but more recently went above and beyond when he noticed the charity’s ‘Hands Up Bags’ for the homeless were running low.

From that point on, Deaken decided more needed to be done to tackle homelessness in the area and set out on a mission to make change – writing to the town clerk, introducing himself to care homes and even asking county councillors for financial support.

His nomination added: “He was given tin foil blankets by the local PCSOs.

“Recently, he has been invited to give a presentation on the Hand Up Bags to the local Town Councillors; they have the intention of supporting the cause financially.”

When Deaken was announced as the winner, his table erupted in cheers as he modestly walked up to the stage, joined by Lauren from Shildon Alive.

Deaken said: “At Shildon Alive, we help the homeless with hand up bags, which is a bag of essentials for the homeless.

“It is quite scary to ask adults for help but at the end of the day it’s to help the homeless.”

Peter Barron added: “You are showing true leadership skills. You are making things happen, helping other people, some who are really vulnerable.”

The whole room then gasped in awe and clapped as Deaken admitted his ambition in life is to eradicate homelessness.

“What about running for Prime Minister?” Peter added.

Deaken laughed: “Maybe when I’m older.”