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On Thursday 28 November, young people, invited guests and organisations from across the region gathered in Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries to take part in the annual Dumfries and Galloway Youth Awards. The Awards aims to celebrate the achievements and talents of young people from across Dumfries and Galloway. The sixth annual awards were fully funded by the National Lottery and the Young Game Changers Fund.

The evening got underway with an energetic cheerleading performance from Envy Cheerleading from Stranraer, followed by opening remarks from Ailsa McDairmant, Chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council.

Iain Corbett, who is the Participation, Policy and Engagement Advisor at University of Strathclyde at the Children and Young Peoples Centre for Justice (CYCJ) delivered the keynote speech in which he described the importance of Youth Work and it’s ability to build young people’s resilience and confidence, as well as the pressures young people face in today’s world and the impact this can have on them.

The audience then heard the inspirational stories of the 24 young finalists, who were shortlisted from just over 200 nominations with the final category winners announced on the night.

The winners of the categories were:

Sport – Josh Parker

Josh was selected to represent Scotland in The Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa in October. Chosen from over 200 entries, Josh's dedication and commitment to his sport was picked up by the Scottish Powerlifting selection team and he was awarded a place in the under 18s team

As well as his own training, for the past year Josh has been coaching another young lifter who has already placed first in his class at Western District Competition and is projected to claim a Scottish title.

Equality – Listen2Us Research Group

The members in the research group, have shown passion and commitment to influencing change for the care experienced community. They have all engaged in a complex and challenging research process since January 2024, to offer invaluable insights into shaping the projects aims and objectives. They have all done so at a crucial point in their own journeys to adulthood, with most of them working and studying full-time either at school or college on top of their participation in the research group.

Young Enterprise and Business – Newton Stewart Initiative: Trainee Youth Workers

The trainee youth workers at Newton Stewart Initiative play an important role in shaping opportunities in Newton Stewart for both young people and the wider community. They provide structured and engaging activities, offering young people a welcoming environment and positive outlets for their energy, creativity and talents. They are not only giving young people something productive to do, but helping reduce feelings of boredom and isolation, contributing to better mental health and wellbeing.

Rising Star Award – Emma Halliday

Emma has been a frequent attendee of youth groups in Stranraer for a number of years, but as she got older wanted to become more involved, and undertook her Young Leader training to become a key feature of youth groups, helping to plan and run activities for the young people who attend. Being a Young Leader has enabled Emma to help in not only building the confidence of others, but also her own confidence, and has allowed her to dip her toe into youth work, leading to her getting involved in other projects.

Culture, Arts and Entertainment – Nadine McDonald

Nadine McDonald is a real inspiration for all young people and has the talent and ability to go far within the world of theatre, drama and the arts.

From starting out a production company in her teens, Nadine has consistently demonstrated a real aptitude for recognising and encouraging local young talent, and pulling together the most professional and enjoyable musicals that make people want to come back again and again.

Young Volunteer - Lucas Moorhouse

Lucas has grown into a confident young leader showing dedication to make a positive impact on young people that they volunteer to work with. They have taken on young leading roles in various groups and are also involved in some of the charity events in their community too. Lucas’ growth in confidence is evident in how they handle challenges with resilience and determination. Their natural ability to listen and empathise has made them an approachable young leader to those that they support.

Unsung Hero – Riley True

Riley is an active, committed and passionate young person, and a Youth Councillor for the Lochar Ward, Riley takes on responsibilities around the planning and organisation of both regional and local meetings alongside his peers in the leadership group. Riley has been involved in the youth council for a number of years now, and his passion for ensuring the voice of young people is represented, respected and heard continues to grow. His confidence and leadership skills continue to grow and develop.

Group of the Year – Through Young Eyes Steering Group

Over the past 12 months, the Through Young Eyes Steering Group have been working on creating a research workshop, toolkit and film highlighting the affects poverty is having on young people in Dumfries and Galloway, directly through the eyes of young people themselves. The steering group have given up their time to ensure that decision makers listen to the voices of young people, with the film proving to be hard hitting and emotional.

Youth Worker of the Year (Paid) – Carla Grant

Carla has helped many young people and shows strong dedication to providing them with a safe space, whilst building relationships with young people to help gain an understanding of what they would like to see run in the communities and what groups would help them both physically and mentally.

Carla has made the youth groups in Annandale and Eskdale inclusive and fun, and a space for young people to be themselves and thrive. She has worked with many different groups and at many different events. 

Youth Worker of the Year (Volunteer or Volunteer Involving Organisation) – Nicola Todd

Nicola dedicates her own time to volunteer at Youth Enquiry Service on a weekly basis and she is a much appreciated and respected member of the team. Due to Nicola's contribution to the service, young people have a safe space to access that is consistent and of a high standard. With the support that Nicola provides, it means that the other youth workers can focus on the planning and delivery of important information-based activities and have the time to spend one to one with young people, ensuring that everyone who attends can receive the support that they need.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Anne McLauchlan
Helen Turner
Ian Mitchell
Tracey Wood

Eric Liddell Award - Finlay Anderson and Jade Kirkpatrick

The evening was brought to a close by Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, who in her address reflected on the importance of Youth Work in communities across Dumfries and Galloway and congratulated the Youth Work sector in Dumfries and Galloway for continuing to deliver high quality and sector leading Youth Work opportunities across the region. 

Speaking after the event, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, Chair of the Education, Skills and Wellbeing Committee said:

“The stories and journeys of the young people who received awards are inspirational and I am extremely proud of their achievements, and it was fantastic to celebrate them.  Youth Work is happening in communities the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway, and as a region we should be proud of that. The Youth Awards was a fun-filled evening celebrating the value and diversity of Youth Work in Dumfries and Galloway.”

Following a live audience vote on the evening, winner of the Sports Award, Josh Parker was named the “Young Person of the Year 2024”.

The Dumfries and Galloway Youth Awards were fully funded by the National Lottery and Young Game Changers Fund.

Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council Ailsa McDairmant said:

“We are incredibly grateful to our funders at the National Lottery and the Young Game Changers Fund for making the DG Youth Awards 2024 possible. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all winners, finalists, those who were awarded certificates, and I would also like to thank every young person from across Dumfries and Galloway for continuing to provide a source of positivity and inspiration for us all.”

To see pictures from this year’s event, please visit www.dgyouthawards.com