Young carer in the spotlight

Apr 19 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

AN OUTSTANDING young Perthshire volunteer was shortlisted in the final of the nation’s Young Scot Awards.

Missy Gibson (20), from Alyth, was nominated for her remarkable work as a volunteer with the PKAVS Young Carers Project, beating hundreds of entrants to be named among the top three young people in the volunteering category.

Missy was one of 500 guests attending a glittering awards ceremony at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel and enjoyed the chance to mingle with celebrities including Olly Murs, of X-Factor fame, and singer Alesha Dixon.

The annual event, running since 2006, celebrates the outstanding achievements of Scotland's youth through 13 award categories ranging from sports and enterprise to community and volunteering.

Missy was nominated by Perth and Kinross Young Carers staff for her commitment to the project which supports children aged five to 18 who are caring for a loved one with an illness, disability, or drug or alcohol problem.

Young carer Missy joined the PKAVS project 10 years ago. Since the age of seven, she has played a crucial role in caring for her disabled sister and younger brother who has ADHD.

On leaving school, Missy made the transition to become one of the service's 15 volunteers, helping staff run the charity's Duke of Edinburgh’s Award groups and other activities.

Young Carers co-ordinator Raymond Jamieson said: “Missy has used her experience of being a young carer to support others.

“She almost single-handedly produces our newsletter, a time-consuming task which Missy manages to fit in alongside her job, other volunteering roles and caring responsibilities.

“Missy also has a very strong and willing voice when we need someone to help promote the needs of young carers to funders, politicians and others in the community.

“Missy epitomises all that is good about the youth of today. She has a very busy life of her own but yet she always finds time to help us at PKAVS Young Carers Project.

“The staff and children are incredibly proud of Missy and believe she deserves all the recognition that comes her way.”

For further information on the project or young carers’ issues visit www.pkavs.org.uk or www.yc.net