Be part of the panel to support youngsters Volunteers urgently needed

People with an interest in helping and protecting vulnerable youngsters are being urged to consider becoming part of the Children’s Panel organisation.

The national Children’s Panel, which is the country’s largest tribunal group, meets to provide support to vulnerable children and young people who are in need of care and protection or who have offended.

A new round of recruitment for volunteers is now under way, with organisers keen to ensure that a balance of members is available.

Among the male members is Perthshire man Jordan Risbridger. The 31-year-old recently qualified as a panel member and spoke of how rewarding the volunteering role can be.

Mr Risbridger, restaurant supervisor, applied to become a panel member when a colleague who was already on the panel recommended it.

He said: “I had expressed an interest in voluntary work but had never heard of the Children’s Panel until my colleague mentioned the work that he did with the organisation. Being a member of the Children’s Panel can be time consuming and emotionally challenging but it is so rewarding to know that you have done the best for a child and their voice will now be heard.

“The best thing about being a panel member is that you get to meet a wide range of people from a huge variety of backgrounds, who have all come together to make a difference in their local community. The role that the panel plays really opens your eyes to the struggles of other people and makes you a more tolerant and rounded person.”

There are currently more than 2,500 volunteer panel members across Scotland, however new recruits from a range of backgrounds are needed each year.

This year, Children’s Hearings Scotland is also keen to hear from those interested in supporting the work of the panel through becoming a volunteer Area Support Team member.

Boyd McAdam, national convener and chief executive of Children’s Hearings Scotland, said: “The motivations of our panel volunteers are all different. For some, it is the desire to give something back. For others, it’s about being able to help a child or young person who is facing challenges in their life, or about making a valuable contribution to their community.

“For those interested in taking the next step, I’d encourage them to visit our recruitment website, or head along to one of the local information evenings being held across the country to meet other panel members and find out more about the commitment required.”

Applicants need to be 18 or over. The deadline for applications is September 26. 2017.

To find out more about becoming a panel member, or to apply online visit www. childrenspanelscotland. org.