Page last updated at 10:04 GMT, Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Young volunteer work recognised

Frank Miller and Elizabeth Baillie (Project Scotland)
Frank was Elizabeth's mentor during her placement with Fablevision

The work of volunteers were recognised at Project Scotland's awards ceremony, the Voscars, writes Julia Morrison.

Elizabeth Baillie, 17, from Easterhouse; Laura Meikle, 19, from Thornliebank and Andy Sloss, 23, from East Kilbride were recognised for the positive contributions they have made to their communities through volunteering.

Frank Miller, was named Mentor of the Year for the contribution he made to the experience of Project Scotland volunteers during their placements at Govan-based media charity Fablevision.

Recognise her dream

Project Scotland
Launched May 2005
Opportunities to 3000+ young people in Scotland
Delivered 2.3 million hours of voluntary work
Helping 300 not-for-profit organisations across Scotland

Elizabeth Baillie, who Frank mentored, took the Voscar for Arts, Media and Culture. Through her placement at Fablevision, Elizabeth was able to recognise her dream of becoming an actress.

Elizabeth is now at college studying Art, Design and New Media. She readily admits that if it were not for Project Scotland, life would have been very different: "I really believe that if I had continued in the direction I was heading I would just be sitting at home drinking and smoking."

Mentor of the Year, Frank Miller, played a big part in Elizabeth's success: "Frank gave me the confidence to apply for a two year HNC at my local college. I didn't have the qualifications required for the course so I was really pleased when I was offered a place after the interview."

Learning opportunities

Laura Meikle
Laura was based with Rathbone and helped deliver learning opportunities

Another Glasgow volunteer recognised for her achievements was Laura Meikle. Laura won the award for Community, Education and Training for the voluntary work that she carried out at the charity Rathbone, where she delivered learning opportunities to young people who have struggled in their secondary education.

The Voscars judges were impressed by Laura's progression from trainee to trainer. There is no doubt in Laura's mind that the experience has changed her life significantly: "Project Scotland has definitely done more for me than college, work experience or any other programme."

Laura now wants to pursue a career as a trainer and would love to continue working with challenging young people. She hopes to go to college to study an access course in social care.

Conservation projects

Andy Sloss (Project Scotland)
Andy's work with BTCV conservation projects was recognised

The third young volunteer recognised on the night was Andy Sloss. Andy was commended in the category Nature, Rural and the Environment. He carried out his placement with BTCV in Glasgow where he made a real impact on local communities by taking lead roles in several conservation projects.

Susan Watt, Chief Executive at Project Scotland, said: "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the achievements of our ProjectScotland volunteers.

Here at Project Scotland we know that youth volunteering is a great way to keep young people engaged, build their skills and support their local communities. Our Voscar winners are great examples of how young people can change both their own lives and Scottish communities. "

Providing opportunities

Project Scotland is a national charity providing opportunities which help young people realise their potential through volunteering.

The annual event celebrates the youth volunteering charity's most inspirational volunteers. In total, ten young volunteers and two mentors were recognised at the ceremony held in Edinburgh.

Project Scotland's Volunteer of Year Award 2009 went to Ryan Glen, 21, from Dundee for his outstanding achievements in supporting and inspiring youngsters at a city centre project.





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