Teenage campaigner’s award nomination joy

A ROTHERHAM teenager has been nominated for a national award recognising positive role models.

Rebecca Parkin (17) from South Anston is shortlisted in the Disability Category at the 2015 National Diversity Awards.

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Rebecca was diagnosed at the age of seven with Aspergers, a form of high functioning autism and has also been bullied severely, having to move schools six times.

A member of Youth Cabinet and a Rotherham Ambassador, the teenager campaigns on autism, mental and bullying, recently being interviewed on Radio 4 about her experiences.

She was named Rotherham's Young Volunteer of the Year at the Community Achievement Awards last year.

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Earlier this month, Rebecca became the first ever Young Healthwatch Ambassador, working with the organisation to help bridge the gap between adolescent and adult mental health services and speaking in assemblies to young people across the borough.

She said: “It's such an honour to be nominated for such a prestigious award.

“It’s amazing to be nominated alongside so many inspirational people that have made a massive difference nationwide.”

The National Diversity Awards 2015 will be presented in Liverpool on September 18.