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Caring teen wins Diana Award
Praise for‘inspirational’Coatbridge High pupil
A caring Coatbridge teenager has received a prestigious Diana Award for her work in promoting mental health to fellow pupils and for leading her school’s support work in Malawi.
Mia Beckett received the honour – established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, to honour under- 25s for social action and humanitarian work – at an online ceremony alongside 183 other recipients from across the UK.
She has recently completed her studies at Coatbridge High, where she was described as “the driving force” behind its mental health ambassador programme, working tirelessly to promote an accessible service supporting pupils.
Mia delivered wellbeing sessions on topics including stress, anxiety, depression and self-harm, helping students to recognise and better understand them, and encouraged pupils to share their feelings – helping break down barriers and tackle stigma around mental health.
In addition, she was the coleader of the school’s Aiming Higher in Malawi project, visiting the Malawian communities which the Coatbridge school supports to ensure young women are able to access education, and raising awareness and funds for the longrunning initiative.
The awards “shine a spotlight on inspirational young people who have carried out exceptional humanitarian or social action work” and are the highest accolade of their kind for young people.
Mia said: “It’s really incredible to have been nominated and been given such a prestigious award
“It’s the perfect end to my time at Coatbridge High – I’m now planning to go to Strathclyde University to study immunology, and possibly on to a postgraduate degree to become a science teacher.
“I’m also keeping up my passions and volunteering with a mental health charity, Support in Mind Scotland.”
Coatbridge High head teacher Christine Creaney said: “Mia is an outstanding ambassador for our school and is an inspirational role model, not only to her fellow students but also for her teachers.
“She has willingly given up her own time to help others and we’re delighted that her dedication, commitment and selflessness have been recognised with this award.”
Praising Mia’s empathy and inspirational leadership, her proud head teacher added: “Her legacy will be to encourage more of our pupils into volunteering and continue the excellent work she has started.
“We take great pride in supporting and encouraging our young people to make positive contributions to their community and Mia is a perfect example of this.”
Home-school partnership officer Jamie Dungavell added: “Mia has done so much in the school and helped so many people. She thoroughly deserves this award and I know she will go on to do so many great things.”