Graeme Johnston, Scotland's Youth Worker of 2023

That this House congratulates Graeme Johnston on receiving the prestigious title of Scotland’s Youth Worker of the Year 2023; acknowledges that this recognition builds on Graeme’s previous accolade of Youth Worker of the Year in 2017; understands that the Youth Worker of the Year Awards recognises a youth worker with a passion and dedication to improving the lives of young people through youth work; notes that since Graeme started working with Arran Youth Foundations (AYF) in 2011, he has transformed AYF from a poorly attended youth work project into an award-winning organisation, which provides a range of opportunities for young people on the Isle of Arran; further notes that AYF has achieved exceptional participation levels under Graeme’s leadership, engaging over 200 young people from a school population of fewer than 230; recognises the important role played by Graeme and all the volunteers at AYF in addressing social isolation, exclusion, lack of opportunity and substance abuse in young people by organising counselling and therapy sessions, making referrals to addiction workers and arranging weekly drop-in sessions as well as a summer programme for youths; commends the hard work and dedication of Graeme in enhancing young people’s social, emotional and physical well-being and supporting them to attain, achieve and contribute effectively in their communities while also raising a young family of his own on the mainland; and applauds his commitment, impact and leadership as a youth worker on the Isle of Arran.