Royal accolade for youth worker Alasdair

Jan 8 2009 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

Royal accolade for youth worker Alasdair

A HAMILTON Universal Connections team leader had his work formally recognised when he was shortlisted as a finalist for a Princes Trust Award.

Alasdair Head (28) was nominated in recognition of his outstanding work with young people.

He has been working at the youth complex in Woodside Walk for the past two-and-a-half-years.

He joined the other two finalists at a ceremony held at the RBS complex in Edinburgh.

The three finalists were among 300 guests at the event, where entertainment was provided by indie band Attic Lights.

Alasdair, who was pipped for the top prize, is responsible for recruiting team participants, programme delivery, mentoring and supporting young people through challenging times in their lives.

He was commended for his committment and willingness to help young people “work through their problems and break down the barriers they face to re-engage with society”.

Alasdair said: “I was seconded to the Princes Trust when I worked for Scottish Power, and decided to stay.

“Even though I didn’t win the top prize, I feel very humbled to be one of only three Scottish finalists out of 4000 nominees for the leadership award category.”

Alasdair effectively encourages and assists young people in pursuing further voluntary work and promoting the work of the Princes Trust Scotland.

Geraldine Gammell, director of the Prince’s Trust Scotland, was full of praise for Alasdair’s work.

Since the charity was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1976, it has helped over 60,000 young people in Scotland.

The Trust provides a 12-week personal development programme enabling 16 to 25-year-olds, of whom the majority are unemployed, to develop their confidence, motivation and skills through team-based projects in the community.

Almost 70 per cent of unemployed participants find work or enter full-time education or training after completing the programme.

For further information on the Prince’s Trust visit: www.princes-trust.org.uk.

A new programme begins on Monday, January 19.

Anyone interested should contact Alasdair Head on 07733 324 430 or e-mail: ahead@motherwell.co.uk.