Plenty to celebrate for YMCA workers

Nicole has been involved with the association for over eight years, where she has been mentored and supported within both a voluntary and also employed capacity.

Association manager Stephen Henderson: “Nicole was a very committed, passionate and supportive staff member and has been an inspiration to many young people she has supported through the years and that she will continue to maintain the high standard of work within the association”.

Nicole added: “I was overwhelmed and grateful that had I have been given the opportunity to win an award. It’s nice to be recognised for the work you do.”

The event held in Perth also saw Tom McPherson, board member of Bellshill & Mossend YMCA for over 50 years, awarded the George Williams Medal for his commitment, passion and voluntary service at a local and national level.

Meanwhile, the Out of School Project based in Liberty Road received the highest scores available in all categories in its most recent Care Inspectorate Inspection.

Childcare manager Alan Cairns said: “We are investing in children’s futures and our people understand they have an important part to play.

“We try to learn from each other and take time to understand the contribution each of us makes to how the service operates.”

As well as the daily afterschool care club, the centre runs a club for younger people with additional support needs and organises regular youth nights

Alan said: “The centre tries to help children understand they are a genuine individual, have a real worth and are an important part of the world.”

Care inspector Isabella Semple-Lawson added: “Others could learn from this centre what it really means to have a child-centred approach.

“At Bellshill and Mossend, the staff find out what the children need and want, and then put it into action.”