Young Scot has crowned a group of 16–25-year-olds from across the Lothians as the winners of the Volunteering Award at the prestigious Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards 2021.
The group have donated a combined total of 17,000 hours to support NHS Lothian throughout the pandemic, working across the health board to make a genuine difference to the lives of hospital patients throughout the pandemic.
The selfless young people help to ensure wards are sufficiently stocked with PPE, befriend patients by spending hours by their bedside to provide vital social interaction and distribute donations to those most in need.
The group’s commitment to supporting the NHS and its patients during an incredibly challenging period for the nation impressed the judges and saw them take home this year’s award.
The annual awards are now in their fifteenth year and aim to recognise and inspire the nation’s young people, celebrating their outstanding achievements across 13 categories including equality and diversity, entertainment, and the environment.
The winners were announced during a live online ceremony, with thousands of guests from across the country logging on to watch the virtual celebrations. Scottish TV Presenter Jean Johansson hosted the evening and was joined by famous faces including Gemma Cairney, Max George and Alesha Dixon to celebrate the nation’s young people in style.
This year’s award winners join an esteemed roll call of previous recipients including Sir Andy Murray, Olympian Laura Muir and Netflix star Ncuti Gatwa.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We’re all so honoured to win the Volunteering Award and have our efforts recognised.
“Although really challenging, it’s been rewarding to volunteer throughout the pandemic especially when the schools were closed and we needed to keep busy. We’ve all made friendships that I’m sure will last a lifetime.”
Louise Macdonald OBE, Chief Executive, Young Scot, said: “The quality of entries this year was absolutely outstanding, and we were blown away by the incredible stories of our nominees, finalists and winners and the impact they have had in their local communities across Scotland.
“This year’s online ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s young people, who have done so much to continue to inspire, support and motivate those around them despite the challenges of the past year.”
Award host, Jean Johansson, said: “It was an absolute honour to host this year’s Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards.
“I was inspired by listening to the winners’ stories and their commitment to helping others in their community during the pandemic is truly remarkable. Congratulations to our winners and finalists!”