Campbeltown woman awarded MBE for changing children's lives
A Campbeltown woman has spoken of her shock and surprise at finding out she had been awarded an MBE for services to young people in the New Year Honours List.
Sharon Kelly, aged 44, was recognised by His Majesty King Charles III for her work as project manager at Royston Youth Action, a charity in the north east of Glasgow.
Running for more than 34 years, Royston Youth Action works with children, young people and families to enhance and improve their emotional, physical, educational and mental wellbeing.
Sharon started working for the charity 13 years ago, initially as a youth worker before being promoted to senior youth worker, then assistant project coordinator and, for the last six years, project manager.
She currently leads a team of 14 staff members who, she says, work very well together, and help and support each other.
“We deliver over 25 weekly clubs and projects, all of which are free to attend, and we also provide snacks, food, care packages, clothing, sanitary products and much more for our families, in addition to our other work,” explained Sharon.
“We have over 400 members and we also work in six local schools, delivering workshops and sessions on mental health and wellbeing, transition to high school projects, health groups and accredited awards.
“I have implemented an ethos of kindness and compassion in our workplace where we all class each other as a work family.
“Staff work very hard and spend hours and hours ensuring all of the children and young people we work with are supported, nurtured and cared for. They spend time daily on all of our social media platforms, posting about the work we do and ensuring they are interacting with all of our families regularly.”
Speaking about her MBE award, Sharon told the Courier: “I was very surprised and shocked to receive the letter stating I had been included in the New Year Honours List.
“It is extremely important to me that I am making a positive difference in the lives of others; it’s what drives me in my work and role.
“I feel it is important to help others wherever you can and I get to do that on a daily basis in my work.
“I’ve always said that youth work isn’t a job, I feel it is more of a calling, and I really do believe that it’s the best career for job satisfaction, bringing happiness and for keeping a positive mindset.
“I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the years, who have all helped, supported and taught me so much during my career.”
Sharon, who may be better known in Campbeltown by her maiden name McMillan, was born in Paisley, where she spent her early childhood, before moving to Campbeltown when she was 10.
She attended Castlehill Primary School and Drumlemble Primary School before completing her schooling at Campbeltown Grammar School.
She remained in Campbeltown, where her mum Valerie Cameron (Dunn) still lives, until she moved to Glasgow when she first got a job at Royston Youth Action.
This is not the first time her work has been recognised – in 2021, Sharon and one of the youngsters the charity supports featured in an STV documentary called ‘Where’s Your Head At?’ about young people’s mental health during the pandemic, and, in 2022, Sharon received a Point of Light Award from then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
In a letter to Sharon, Mr Johnson wrote: “I was inspired to hear about your brilliant work at Royston Youth Action to support young people in Glasgow, helping them to stay connected, healthy and active, especially during the school holidays.
“With your army of volunteers and plethora of activities, you have helped thousands of children explore art classes, day trips, educational workshops and volunteering opportunities.”
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