Tag: City Chambers reception

Mel Young MBE receives the Edinburgh Award 2024

The Homeless World Cup co-founder and social entrepreneur, Mel Young MBE, was officially presented with the coveted Edinburgh Award by the Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge.

The award was presented on Thursday evening (October 24) at a civic reception at the City Chambers.

Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought the Capital to national and international attention.

Alongside family, friends and invited guests, Young received an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost, an official award certificate, and a set of his handprints preserved in stone in the City Chambers quadrangle was unveiled.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge said: “It was a pleasure to present Mel Young with the Edinburgh Award yesterday evening. Mel’s handprints are now immortalised in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle, and he deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.

“From The Homeless World Cup to The Big Issue in Scotland, his passion and dedication to changing lives and advocating for fairness is admirable and inspiring. Through his work he has represented the Capital with pride, dedication, and skill.

“I’d like to congratulate Mel on behalf of the city, and I’m sure he will continue to do great things, both here in Edinburgh and beyond.”

The Homeless World Cup co-founder, social entrepreneur and Recipient of the Edinburgh Award 2024, Mel Young MBE said: “I am honoured to receive the Edinburgh Award this year. Edinburgh is a stunning capital city, and I am proud to be one its citizens.

“The Homeless World Cup Foundation headquarters is in Edinburgh and our tournament connects people all over the globe. I would like to share this Award with the many hard-working people who have contributed to making the Homeless World Cup so impactful and successful.

 “Also, this Award belongs to the real heroes of our work, the homeless people themselves who change their own lives through their involvement with our tournament and our operations across the world.”

SAS staff member awarded for 15 years of volunteer lifesaving

A Scottish Ambulance Service Ambulance Care Assistant has received a long service award after 15 years volunteering for St Andrews First Aid.

Lynne Duke, who works out of Leverndale Station, started with St Andrews in 2009 after seeing an advert in a local paper.

St Andrews, which formed in 1882, promotes the teaching of first aid along with supplying first aid equipment and event cover.

Lynne, who joined the ambulance service in 2016, was recently presented with a long service award at a Civic Reception at Edinburgh City Chambers, attending with her daughter Sarah and presented with her medal and certificate by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost.

Lynne said: “It was really nice to be recognised for the volunteering that I do.”

Speaking of how she got into volunteering with St Andrews, she said after applying for a position, she completed a three-month training course with the option to volunteer after successful completion.

She added: “I made the decision to join and really enjoyed my time and have never looked back. Not only did St Andrew’s give the confidence to try new things, I’ve met friends that I can now call friends for life.”

In the past 15 years, Lynne has volunteered at six T in the Park Festivals, numerous concerts, football matches, Remembrance Day parades and local duties including performances in East Kilbride village theatre.

Her enjoyment from volunteering inspired her to change careers joining SAS as an Ambulance Care Assistant, caring for members of the public when transporting them to and from hospital.

She said: “I started working part-time in based at Paisley station before moving to Glasgow South station. I now work full time at Leverndale Station. I like that every day is different, meeting different people and the challenges that it brings.”

Paul Bennie, Ambulance Care Assistant Team Leader at Leverndale, said: “On behalf of everyone at SAS,  I would like to congratulate Lynne on a fantastic achievement.

“She is a fantastic member of staff and inspiring volunteer for St Andrews. This award is thoroughly deserved and everyone at Leverndale is thrilled she has been recognised.”