Youth workers in line for top national award
Last updated | 07/03/2008
Two Perth & Kinross Council youth workers have been nominated for a top prize at the first ever National Youth Worker of the Year Awards.
Colin Hay and Karen Gracie have both been nominated in the Youth Worker of the Year category – making up two of the three nominations for the award.
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.
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.
The awards dinner is being held by YouthLink Scotland to celebrate and recognise outstanding service and performance by managers, youth workers and peer educators in the youth work field.
Each category will have three finalists, with gold, silver and bronze awards being given. The evening, at Murrayfield Stadium on Tuesday 11 March, will culminate in the presentation of the overall Youth Worker of the Year prize - with Karen and Colin in the running.
Organisers say the winner of this category needs to be someone who has demonstrated consistent skill, knowledge and experience in the field of youth work on a full time basis. They will be respected by young people, peers and management for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment in youth work and will provide motivation and support for any sessional staff and volunteers they line manage.
Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Elizabeth Grant, said: "I would like to congratulate Karen and Colin on this fantastic achievement. Making the final nominations is a great success in itself and I'm delighted that two out of three nominees for the award are from Perth & Kinross Council. This highlights the excellent work being done by our dedicated staff in youth work, and it's fantastic that our they are being recognised in this way.
"I wish Karen and Colin all the best at the awards ceremony later this month - we will all be rooting for them."
