Graeme is named Scotland’s youth worker of the year

Graeme Johnston of Arran Youth Foundations (AYF) has been awarded the Scotland’s Youth Worker of the Year Award at the YouthLink Scotland awards ceremony sponsored by Education Scotland.

 

The award was presented to him, at the award ceremony in Glasgow last week, for his unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions to the young people of Arran.

 

Graeme has worked with AYF for 12 years and in that time has advanced and promoted the organisation which champions the rights of the young people, along with providing them with life skills and activities to help develop them into capable, happy and productive young members of society.

 

Tim Frew, CEO of YouthLink Scotland said: ‘We have come together to celebrate youth work. Young people have faced the challenges of a global pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis exacerbating an already worrisome situation regarding child poverty and mental health and wellbeing. Youth work organisations have required a double dose of that youth work spirit, grit, optimism, agility, and resilience so that they can continue to offer young people opportunities to thrive.

 

“Graeme Johnston demonstrates the power of great youth work to change lives.”

 

Accepting the award, Graeme said: "It’s a very special moment to be recognised for something I love doing. I'm grateful to AYF for giving me the best job in the world, and to the young folk of Arran for making it the best job in the world."

 

Graeme has previously won the national youth worker of the year awards and AYF also has a long history of receiving awards for its youth work and activities for young people on Arran.

 

AYF operate from their youth cabin behind Arran High School. There are daily activities for children and everyone of high school age is welcome to go along and join any of the activities and events. Further information about AYF can be found at www.arranyouthfoundations.org/

 

 

A delighted Graeme Johnston with his Scotland’s Youth Worker of the Year Award. No_B26youthaward01_23_Graeme_Johnston