A CUMNOCK youth worker has picked up a top award at the YouthLink Scotland Awards.

Katie Mackay, who works for the Prince’s Trust in Glasgow, was presented with the supporting attainment award for her hard work and dedication in helping get children back into school or further education and onto employment.

Having been involved in youth work for most of he adult life, Katie explained how important the award is.

She said: “There were so many people nominated and I was shortlisted, there were five finalists. I was nominated for my work with the Prince’s Trust to get children back into education and back into work.

“I work with children from the hardest backgrounds, there was one 16 year old I worked with who was taking drugs and partying and she never went to school.

“I worked really hard with her and she is now back in school and has a good relationship with her mum.

“I’m from Cumnock and I went to Cumnock Academy. I’ve done youth work pretty much since I left school. One of my old teachers is from Ayrshire and he texted me saying well done.”

One of the young people Katie works with supported her nomination. In Jay’s own words: “I don’t just think that Katie is an amazing youth worker, she’s an amazing person with a massive heart!

“On my first day of the achieve course, I didn’t want to go because I didn’t know anyone but Katie convinced me to come. She spoke to me before hand and I really trusted her from the moment I met her.

“I had my hard times/bumps in the road when I was on the achieve course but Katie was so supportive and she helped me through it all. I honestly feel so moved by the fact one person could change my life for the better in six weeks.

“If it wasn’t for Katie I don’t think I would have done it and I don’t think I’d be the person I am today.”