Debbie Hall
This month The Centre, Livingston and the West Lothian Courier are paying tribute to another worthy volunteer who is doing great things in the community, by recognising their efforts with a Volunteer Award.
The award was set up to shine a light on amazing people who give up their time for a good cause – from helping local community groups and charities, to volunteering in hospitals.
Not only does the winner receive a framed certificate but they are also rewarded with a £100 Gift Card, courtesy of The Centre, Livingston, which can be spent at over 90 stores and all restaurants in the shopping centre.
The latest recipient of the award is Amanda Brown (51), from Armadale, who, for the last seven years, has been assistant Beaver leader for the 28th West Lothian Scouts.
In addition Amanda has been on the Committee for Trojan Swimming Club, one of the longest running swimming clubs in West Lothian, as well as Treasurer for the Welsh Corgi League Scottish Section, an organisation which offers enthusiasts of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke breed the opportunity to socialise, go on organised walks and attend gatherings throughout the year.
Amanda was nominated by Hazel Jenkinson, leader at 1st Armadale Girls’ Brigade, in recognition of the positive influence she makes in her role as Assistant Beaver Leader for her role with the Scouts.
The 28th West Lothian Scout Group is based in Armadale and offers scouting adventures to young people in the area, contributing to their development and helping them achieve their full potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of the community.
Since 2016, Amanda has given two hours of her time every week in her role with the Scout group – helping to prepare for weekly meetings, running activities for members and planning both indoor and outdoor camps.
One of Amanda’s aims is to help the Beavers reach their full potential and achieve the Chief Scout Bronze Award.
This is the highest award a Beaver can earn after completing all of the core Challenge Awards, including the Teamwork Challenge Award and the Personal Challenge Award, as well as four additional activity badges such as the Disability Awareness Badge and the Digital Citizen Badge.
Hazel Jenkinson, Leader at 1 st Armadale Girls’ Brigade, said: “I’m very proud of Amanda. Volunteering is a great show of character and one in which both the volunteer and the people accessing this valuable source benefit from greatly.
“Amanda embraces new opportunities in which to give her time to others. She has taken part in many of her children’s and pets groups as a parent helper, then enrolled in the Scouts as a leader delivering weekly programs and activities to our community’s youth, all hile working full time.
“Her dedication is commendable and she is a great asset to the Scouts. Amanda is a wonderful role model to the children with valuable life experience to share with the wider community.”
Amanda Brown said: “I am very grateful to have received the award, though I’m one of many volunteers, all of whom work hard to support the group.
“On a personal level, my role as a volunteer has made me much more confident in myself – I am always learning. The most rewarding aspect of my role is the sense of giving back to the community and seeing the young people I work with having fun and becoming independent, respectful and caring.
“I love the time I spend with my group and I would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a go, you have nothing to lose!”
Katie Gallacher, Marketing Manager at The Centre, added: “Our Volunteer Award is a wonderful way to shine a light on the kind members of our community who give up their time to help others.
“The 28th West Lothian Scouts gives local young people the opportunity to make friends, experience a wide range of activities, take on exciting challenges and become active members of the community, and Amanda’s dedication in her role as Assistant Beaver Leader over the past seven years is clear to see.”
We’re looking for your Volunteer Award nominations for the year ahead. If you know a volunteer who spends their free time working tirelessly for the community and you’d like to nominate them for this award, as well as a framed certificate and a £100 Gift Card to spend at The Centre, Livingston, please send an email to debbie.hall@reachplc.com along with the reasons for your nomination.
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
