AN Erskine youth worker has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of her life-changing work with Renfrewshire youngsters.

Siobhan Gray is in the running for Scotland’s Youth Worker of the Year title at this year's National Youth Work Awards.

The nomination is a reward for her fierce commitment to youth empowerment and work with Erskine Youth Council, who she has helped access external funding so they can see their ideas in action.

Siobhan's support ensured that young people were involved in the design of Bargarran Play Park, which is the first interactive play park in Europe.

She has also helped boost youth participation in the Art BOSS project, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of care experienced young people and was the winner of a Young Scot Award.

The awards are organised by YouthLink Scotland, with the winners to be announced during a glittering awards ceremony hosted by television actress Jane McCarry and Jamie Hepburn MSP at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on Wednesday, June 1.

Tim Frew, CEO of YouthLink Scotland, said: "Youth work is one of our great national assets. The positive impact that youth work has on young people and society has been proven time and time again. 

"We are coming through a very challenging pandemic, where youth workers across Scotland and in particular, in Renfrewshire, have supported so many young people through this difficult period. 

"These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible contribution of all our youth workers."

For more information about how to get involved in youth work, visit www.youthlinkscotland.org.