Organisations and individuals making a difference in communities recognised at Highland Third Sector Awards in Strathpeffer with The Place, Alness youth volunteer amongst winners
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SELFLESS organisations celebrated as they were recognised for their difference-making efforts in the annual Highland Third Sector Awards.
Held at Strathpeffer Pavilion, the ceremony highlighted local businesses and staff for their support to people and communities.
The winners were:
Third sector organisation of the year – Mikeysline
Community justice excellence – Addictions Counselling Inverness
Highland partnership – Parkinson’s UK, High Life Highland and NHS Highland
Volunteer of the year – Bill Whyte (Befrienders Highland)
Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) staff member of the year – Gemma Cooper
HTSI partner of the year – Police Scotland
Outstanding achievement – Donald Macleod (posthumous award for his work advocating for unpaid carers)
Self management award – June Strath (LGOWIT – Let's Get On With It Together)
Youth volunteer of the year – Shadi Ali (The Place)
Board trustee of the year – Helen Allan
Community initiative – Lybster Youth Club and Teen Café
Mhairi Wylie, chief officer of event organiser HTSI, said: “I feel the award ceremony is about hope and understanding how that desire to make a difference, and hoping that we can actively have a part to play in making the world better, plays out in our communities.
“It is a privilege to be able to hear and take a small part in the individual stories that surround the awards, not just in relation to our recipients but also in respect of every single nomination that is made.
“I believe that we can increase hopefulness and optimism by shining a light on the people and organisations who are there making a difference, by sharing their story we can hold on to the idea that there is a better future ahead and something to continue working for; and in the current circumstances this seems more important than ever.”
Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been named third sector organisation of the year. The last two years have been extremely difficult for so many people in the Highlands and Moray, and we are so pleased to be able to offer support to those who need it most.
“We’d like to thank the judges at HTSI for recognising the work that we do. We want everyone that may be struggling to know that it’s OK not to be OK, and that help and support is available.”
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