Royal day as drop-in project wins top award
YEARS of hard work by a project that gives youngsters in Brechin somewhere to go has been recognised by the royal family as they were awarded the highest honour that can be given to volunteer groups.
An announcement came on Tuesday (yesterday) that the Brechin Youth Project, based in the Attic youth centre, has been given the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, which will be presented by Georgiana Osborne, Lord Lieutenant of Angus, on the Queen's behalf.
The nomination was made by Helen Wallace back in October of last year, while letters of support were submitted by Inspector Kenny Hart of Tayside Police and Gary Malone, manager of Volunteer Centre Angus.
Describing the work of the group in the nomination form, Helen said: "The project provides a youth drop-in centre "The Attic" in Brechin, offering a safe, alcohol and drug-free environment for young people to experience a wide range of activities to enhance their personal and social development.
"Since opening, 1240 young people have joined, with an average of 60 an evening.
"Volunteers vary in age from retired to young people. This intergenerational mix works very well and enhances the project's provision.
"Some volunteers were involved from the beginning of the project. They undertake a variety of duties, from providing support for youth workers to repair work around the premises. Young people are encouraged to take on responsibility and work towards award schemes.
"The project actively promotes inclusion and targets vulnerable people and minority groups.
"There are wider benefits to the community as the project promotes positive behaviour and actively contributes to Brechin Planning Partnership and Integrated Community Schools Partnership."
Another boost for the youth project came when they were given invites to this year's Holyrood Garden Party in Edinburgh, and Jim Milne, a volunteer and director with the group, has expressed his delight at the recognition.
"It will be a great thing to have on our letter headings and obviously it will get us recognition not only in Angus but also further afield," he said.
"I consider this to be a great feather in our cap, and hopefully it will also be of great benefit when we are looking for funding and further support.
"Obviously we appreciate Helen nominating us and Kenny and Gary for their supporting letters.
"I think it is great reward for eight years of hard work for the people connected with the Attic and the Brechin Youth Project both young and old, while it is also one up for one of the partners associated with the Brechin and District Partnership.
"Along with this, we also have an invitation for four people to attend the Holyrood Garden Party on June 30.
"We will be sending two youth workers, Pamela Christie and Gary Cameron, and two of our longest serving volunteers, Mo Dunbar and Alison Laing."
The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is an annual award given to groups in the voluntary sector of the United Kingdom.
Winning groups are announced in the London Gazette on June 2 each year, the anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The award is equivalent to the MBE and is the highest award that can be made to a voluntary group.
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Weather for Brechin
Sunday 05 February 2012
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Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
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