It’s not unusual to find a lifeline in this place
Boss We all help each other, like family
Losing both parents by the age of 18 would be enough to send most teenagers off the rails.
But Amy Wright wasn’t going to let tragedy define her.
And with help from National Lottery-funded community cafe The Usual Place, she fought her way through the toughest of times.
Now Amy, 25, is the chair of the board of directors at the Dumfries organisation she describes as her new family.
Their work helping young people with learning disabil ities by providing them with employability training, work experience and social opportunities has gained them a nomination for the National Lottery Project of the Year award.
It’s the third time the accolade – which recognises a project that has used funding to make an impact in their community – has been part of the Great Scot Awards.
Amy, who was born with a heart condition and developmental disorder dyspraxia, said: “I had a big tragedy when I was eight – my mum passed away very suddenly so it was just me and my dad.
“Later he developed cancer, three different types over seven years, and at the same time I was his main carer.
“I was born with a heart condition and diagnosed with dyspraxia, which affects me physical ly, socially and emotionally.
“When I was at school, it was hard. The dyspraxia was more noticeable and there were times when I questioned why I was here.”
After her father passed away in 2010, Amy stumbled across The Usual Place.
She said: “If it wasn’t for The Usual Place, I don’t know where I’d be. I always say it’s a family. I live on my own, I’ve managed to survive on my own but it’s a big family here and we all help each other.”
Amy, who started volunteering aged just 13, added: “People might wonder why on a board of adults they’ve got me as the chair but I know what young people want, I’ve been in that position.
“I’ve got a job, I’m here and I just want to change the world.”
National Lottery players raise more than £ 30mill ion every week for arts, sport, heritage and community projects. In Scotland, more than £ 3billion has been invested in 61,000 projects.
Lottery funding supports large and small projects – from the Kelpies and Kelvingrove Museum to local sports clubs, youth theatre groups and community projects, not to mention many of our Olympic and Paralympic heroes such as Callum Skinner and Gordon Reid.
Jackie O’Sul l ivan, from the National Lottery, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in the Great Scot Awards again this year.
“The National Lottery Project of the Year award is all about celebrating the life- changing work that is done in Scotland with lottery funding.
“We want to hear about the people and places using National Lottery cash to make Scotland a happier place to live.”
Last year, The Lung Ha Theatre company – who cater for people with learning disabilities – scooped the National Lottery Project of the Year Award.
Manager Michael Fraser said: “When we won, we were proud beyond belief. It was a really nice feeling, particularly for the performers, to see that what we do is recognised.
“This award was acknowledging that our company’s work is life-enhancing and life-changing. I think it helped us to see ourselves in a different light. It made people smile in a whole different way.”
In the months after receiving the award, the theatre company worked on a nine- show run of Doctor Stirlingshire’s Discovery, performed at Edinburgh Zoo, which sold out and was nominated for two awards.
Their next project is a production called Thingummy Bob, being staged in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St Andrews in October.
Michael added: “It’s a great way to show funders and Creative Scotland the investment they make in our work is worthwhile. We got lots of positive responses on social media. It has been a huge boost.”
I know what young people want and I just want to change the world