JUST CHAMPION Family Centre celebrates after winning at awards ceremony
Broxburn Family Centre is celebrating after being recognised for its outstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable people in Broxburn.
The charity triumphed at the second annual Scottish Social Services Awards.
The family centre won in the Excellence in Children’s Services category for its play initiative which aims to inspire children and build their confidence and skills through play.
Broxburn Family Centre was one of just 12 individuals, teams or organisations announced as this year’s winners, all of which triumphed over more than 100 nationwide entries from across the third sector, independent organisations, local authorities and the NHS.
Nathan MacGillivray from Broxburn Family Centre said: “We feel fantastic about winning the award.
“It gives our fabulous and inspiring playteam the recognition for the great work they do, which is creating memories for all the children who come through our centre.”
The Excellence in Children’s Services category was specially introduced to the Scottish Social Services Awards to mark 2018 being the Year of Young People.
Judged entirely by a children’s panel it recognises those working in Children’s Services who play a crucial role in helping disadvantaged young people realise their potential.
Commenting on the Broxburn Family Centre play initiative, one of the young judges said “I want to go there! It builds a community – people being all together.”
The standard of entries to this new category was so high that the youth judges felt they had to have joint winners. They also honoured Edinburgh based Multi- Cultural Family Base, which was recognised for its Safe Haven Project which works with newly arrived Syrian refugee children and families.
Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Maree Todd, who presented the 2018 Scottish Social Services awards, said: “The calibre of entries from across Scotland this year was outstanding and it’s been wonderful to see the vital and life changing work being carried out by so many impressive people and initiatives.
“The 12 winners have been awarded for their continual compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others.
“It was particularly fantastic to see so many young people recognised this year and to hear their stories – they are truly an asset to Scotland’s Social Services.
“I have been hugely impressed and I would like to applaud everyone involved once again for the incredibly admirable work that they do.”
A full list of the winners can be found here and short films of all the finalists, produced by film and media students from Edinburgh, the City of Glasgow, Dumfries & Galloway and North East Scotland Colleges, can be viewed on Vimeo.