A Renfrewshire youth worker has been nominated as a finalist for a national award.
Amy Small of Renfrewshire Council Youth Services has reached the final of the National Youth Work Awards 2024, and is in the running for the Equality and Diversity Award, sponsored by YMCA Scotland.
She has over 20 years of youth work experience, primarily serving at the Additional Support Needs and LGBT Safe Space Youth Clubs.
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Amy also works as a resilience officer with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
She has been credited as a staunch proponent of equality, inclusion, and a supportive environment for socially isolated young people in Renfrewshire.
Amy's work mainly focuses on enlightening youngsters about their rights under the Equalities Act 2010 and the UNCRC.
She also gives instructions on how to report abuse and get mental health support, and takes part in initiatives such as Disability Scotland’s ‘I Am Me’ campaign.
Under Amy's guidance, the clubs have over 100 young people with protected characteristics regularly attending, and received the Bronze Chartership award.
Her work has also seen the formation of committees campaigning for further engagement through funding, consultations and social activities.
A young participant at the clubs said: "I wouldn’t change anything about this club because changing it wouldn’t make it the same.
"I feel more confident.
"Amy is very nice, very kind and caring – and also good fun. I feel like she sees us as her children."
Tim Frew, chief executive of YouthLink Scotland, said: "With the cost of living crisis intensifying and more young people encountering obstacles in education and employment, youth workers stand out as the true changemakers.
"Their invaluable contributions to the lives of countless young people deserve recognition, as they are the unsung heroes strengthening our communities."
Kerry Reilly, CEO of YMCA Scotland, said: "We know that youth work not only changes lives but is at the forefront of community based work that promotes the values of diversity and equity.
"Youth work provides the opportunity for every young person to reach their full potential."
The awards will take place on Wednesday, June 12 in Glasgow, with Celebrity Big Brother winner John Loughton hosting.
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