Four young people from the Stranraer area have gained recognition for their volunteering work through The Saltire Awards.
Aimee McCracken, Jack McQueen and brothers David and Alistair Stuart have all been presented with certificates in recognition of their efforts volunteering for local organisations.
The Saltire Awards recognise the commitment and contribution of young people volunteering in Scotland and are endorsed by the Scottish Government and by First Minister Alex Salmond.
The awards enable volunteers between the ages of 12 and 25 to gain new skills and practical experience through volunteering placements provided by local and national voluntary organisations. They are designed to encourage more young people to volunteer within their local community, benefitting both the community and the young person. Jack McQueen received an award certificate for 200 hours’ volunteer work, which is a tremendous achievement.
Jack McQueen with Vivien Smith of Third Sector First (left) and Gillian Templeton (right), Service Manager of Stranraer Skills Station.
Jack volunteers as an administrative assistant at Stranraer Skills Station, a social business that offers support services to people with a variety of needs, and since September has attended the John Niven Centre, studying business admin. Jack attends college three days a week and volunteers on the two days when not at college, which provides him with valuable experience to enhance his education.
Aimee McCracken (centre) with Vivien Smith (left) of Third Sector First and Elaine McCourtney, Service Manager of Stranraer Skills Station
Aimee McCracken received award certificates for achieving 10 hours and 25 hours of volunteer work. Aimee is supported by Stranraer Skills Station to complete voluntary placements in the local community. One of her placements is within a childcare establishment and another in a local school. In both placements Aimee helps the young people with their activities, demonstrating how to play games, assisting with arts and crafts and keeping the children on task.
David and Alistair Stuart from Stranraer also each received certificates for their 10 and 25 hours awards. David volunteers with Wigtownshire Animal Welfare Association and Alistair volunteers with Active Schools Wigtownshire. Positive feedback was received from Wigtownshire Animal Welfare Association about David’s dedication and enthusiasm to help the animals in their care and from Active Schools about Alistair’s commitment and determination to support other young people taking part in sporting activities. David and Alistair both thoroughly enjoy volunteering and would recommend it to other young people.
David (right) and Alistair Stuart pictured with their certificates.
Speaking about The Saltire Awards, David Coulter, Chief Executive at Third Sector First, the organisation which co-ordinates the awards in Dumfries and Galloway, said: “It is always a pleasure to see the positive contribution made by young people to our communities and I am really pleased to see their efforts recognised by these Saltire Awards. Well done to them all.”
More details about The Saltire Awards can be found at www.saltireawards.org.uk