A dedicated team of local volunteers are celebrating after a successful night at the Midlothian Volunteer Awards last week.
Plus one Midlothian, a scheme operated by Penicuik YMCA-YWCA, celebrated a double success at the Midlothian volunteer awards ceremony hosted at Newbattle Abbey College on Thursday 2nd June, during the national Volunteer week. The mentoring programme won in two categories – Team of the Year and the Summit Award for national youth volunteering.
The group of devoted volunteers was presented with the Team of the Year award by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Midlothian, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Callander, on behalf of Volunteer Midlothian, in recognition of their outstanding team effort in making a difference to young people. It acknowledges the work of the team of volunteer mentors. They have enthusiastically improved Midlothian communities through engaging young people aged 8-14 on a one to one weekly basis to help them become less isolated, reduce offending, develop better peer relationships, improve school attendance and reach their goals.
Anne Kincaid, a Plusone mentor, who attended the ceremony spoke about the award:
I’m not doing this for the recognition as just knowing I am helping a young person grow and develop is my reward, but it’s been a great evening and it’s fantastic for the Plusone team to be recognized for their dedication and commitment.
In addition to the praise for the team, Plusone volunteer, twenty year old Darren Butters was awarded the Summit Award, the highest level of the national youth volunteering awards scheme backed by the Scottish Government. This award is designed to recognize the massive contribution and commitment of young volunteers in Scotland.
Speaking about the achievement, Susan Kerr, Plusone Midlothian manager said:
Darren Butters has been volunteering as a Plusone mentor since September 2014, offering support to his mentee through some very challenging and difficult times and periods of crisis. He has shown a remarkable commitment, offering consistency, structure, hope, and encouragement. He thoroughly deserves this award.
If you are interested in joining their team of volunteer mentors, are aged eighteen and over, are keen to gain experience working to empower vulnerable young people and give something back to your community, then Plusone mentoring may be for you! The commitment is a minimum of 2 hours a week (evenings or weekends), full training and supervision is provided.
For further information please contact Susan Kerr on 01968674851/07921879799 or email plusone@penicuik-y.co.uk.