Perth and Kinross Youth Worker wins prestigious national award
Last updated | 13/03/2008
Perth & Kinross Council youth worker Colin Hay has been named National Youth Worker of the Year at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh.
Colin is the full time youth worker in the City Base in St John’s Place, which is the major drop-in youth facility in the area. He leads a small team of part-time staff and volunteers who provide a range of services for young people in the Base and undertake school visits focusing on youth information, consultation and encouraging volunteering.
The awards dinner at Murrayfield Stadium was held last night night (11 March) by YouthLink Scotland to celebrate and recognise outstanding service and performance by managers, youth workers and peer educators in the youth work field.
Youthlink said the winner of the category needed to be someone who has demonstrated consistent skill, knowledge and experience in the field of youth work on a full time basis. They needed to be respected by young people, peers and management for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment in youth work and provide motivation and support for any sessional staff and volunteers they line manage.
The evening marked a double success for Perth & Kinross Council, as another youth worker, Karen Gracie, was given the Bronze Award in the National Youth Worker of the Year category.
Karen is based in Fairfield Neighbourhood Centre and works with young people in the communities of Muirton, North Muirton and Fairfield. With her team of part-time and voluntary staff, she supports a range of activities including the Youth Shelter Group in Fairfield and the Muirton Youth Crew.
Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Elizabeth Grant, said: "This is a great achievement for both Colin and Karen and I would like to congratulate them both
“I'm delighted that two out of three nominees for the award were from Perth & Kinross Council, and for Colin to win the national award is an incredible accolade.
“This highlights the excellent work being done by our dedicated staff in youth work, and it's fantastic that Colin and Karen have been recognised in this prestigious way.”
