Karen is the best partner a school could wish for
Support worker wins gong for helping Mary Russell pupils
A support worker who went the extra mile to help find students work experience has been awarded a prestigious gong.
Ka ren Mi l l e r, E n ga g e Renfrewshire’s volunteer development officer worked with children at Mary Russell School, helping them gain practical work experience and volunteering opportunities with local organisations.
Karen was presented with the first ever Community Partner Award by head teacher, Julie McCallum, at a special ceremony in the Paisley school that educates children with additional support needs.
The school thanked Karen for her efforts to identify and coordinate suitable opportunities and referrals, tailored to suit interests and capabilities of the pupils.
The work was carried out through Engage Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Council’s 16 plus joint employability project.
Mrs McCallum said that the pupils benefitted massively from the experience.
She explained: “We simply cannot underestimate the success of these placements and look forward to more pupils gaining this type of experience following the summer break.”
The council’s joint employability scheme saw 90 pupils from Mary Russell find work that was tailored to them.
The aim of the project was to enhance the employability of young people with disabilities or additional support needs.
The Volunteer Managers Forum, of which Karen is chairperson, helped establish placements for the pupils, and they were placed at organisations such as Renfrewshire Access Panel, Environmental Training Team, Renfrewshire-wide Credit Union, Shopmobility and White Cart Credit Union.
Karen said it was a pleasure to work with the kids at Mary Russell and commended them for their hard work.
She said: “These work placements have changed young people’s lives. The pupils added real value to the organisations they were placed with, they gained vital skills and increased confidence which will enhance their work readiness for the future.”
Through Karen’s work, not only did pupils earn industry experience, but also recognition with a national Saltire Award.
Chief executive of Engage Renfrewshire, Alan McNiven, said this was a prime example of the positive outcomes that can be reaped from engagement within the community.
He added: “Karen receiving this award is testimony to the quality of partnership that can be achieved when the public and third sector work together.