Caring Errin rewarded for her work with vulnerable kids

A STEWARTON woman has been honoured for her work with vulnerable children at an awards ceremony in the House of Lords.

Errin Kirkpatrick, 33, a support worker at Action for Children Scotland in Ayrshire, was presented with one of the charity’s top, and newest, accolades – the George Oliver Award – at its annual Stephenson Awards ceremony in London.

This is the first year of the award, which is particularly special as the winner is chosen by young people who have been involved in, or received help from, Action for Children projects.

Errin, from Stewarton, said: “I was absolutely astounded when Dame Clare announced that I had won the George Oliver award – I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming!

“I truly love my job. There is nothing more rewarding than to be able to help the many vulnerable and neglected children and young people who come into our project, and support them on their journey as they turn their lives around and grow into healthy, happy adults.”

The judging panel – made up of Action for Children chief executive, Dame Clare Tickell, and two young people, Derek Hanraran, 20, and Chloe Smith, 19, from the Sperrin and Lakeland Floating Support Service – selected Errin from the many entries received.

They were particularly impressed and touched by the entry letter, written by 17-year-old Laura Johnston, who nominated Errin for the award.

Laura became homeless aged 14, following a relationship breakdown with her family. Faced with nowhere to go, the young teenager was provided with support and accommodation by the Action for Children project, and during that time forged a close relationship with Errin, who provided a her with a great deal of support.

Three years on, Laura is studying social care at college, is saving to move into her own flat, and has a close circle of good friends.

Laura said: “I can’t imagine there is anyone more deserving of this award than Errin. I’m so happy that I have been able to give her something to smile about – as she has for me over the years.”

Errin has worked at Action for Children Scotland’s Intensive Supervised Structured Care (ISSC) project since 2009. ISSC offers accommodation for young people who are estranged from their families. Staff work with young people to help them develop social skills, build and sustain relationships and integrate with communities.

Errin said: “Our project works intensively with children, young people and their families. This includes young people who are ‘at risk’ of finding themselves in secure, or long term specialist care as a result of offending or other high risk behaviour.

“We try to provide these young people with skills and confidence so that they can prepare to move on from our care back into their own communities or families – or to live independently.

“The friendship I now have with Laura, who I met several years ago, is really wonderful. I’m so grateful to her for nominating me for this very special award; she truly is an angel. Laura has seen me through just as much as the other way around – our relationship is very close and is very much about two-way support.

“I accept this award, not just for myself, but on behalf of the whole team at the ISSC project. Without us all working together so well, we couldn’t achieve such great success – and Laura’s story is a great example of that success.”

Action for Children CEO Dame Clare Tickell said: “The Stephenson Awards are a very important part of what we do internally at Action for Children to recognise the hard work and achievements of our staff. Errin is a shining example of this – and I personally thank her for her dedication and commitment to helping children like Laura on the road to a fairer, happier life.”