CHILDREN'S Panel volunteers in Ayrshire with more than 260 years’ service between them have been given some well-deserved recognition.

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) recruits, trains and supports volunteer Children’s Panel members who make legal decisions with - and for - young people in children’s hearings.

At the formal annual recognition event hosted at the Park Hotel in Kilmarnock earlier this month, panel members from across Ayrshire were celebrated for their long service.

This year, a total of 19 serving and four former panel members from North, East and South Ayrshire were thanked for their dedicated contributions.

Michael Stewart, CHS tribunal delivery manager (Ayrshire) opened the event, and said: “I am proud to recognise our selfless volunteers who have offered more than 260 years’ service – a truly outstanding feat!

“The panel volunteers have attended more than 4,000 hearings for Ayrshire’s children, providing support, empathy, compassion and respect to the families attending the hearings.

“We are proud of our volunteers who remain committed to improving outcomes for all of Ayrshire’s children and were delighted to have recognised them at our annual event.

"Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate them with us.”

The 2024 awards ranged from five to 25 years active participation, with the longest-serving awards being handed to North Ayrshire panel member Jim Heron, East Ayrshire panel member Irene Bell and South Ayrshire panel member Anne O’Hare, who were presented with an award for 25 years’ service.

Other awards presented included:

  • two panel members received a 20-year award
  • one panel member received a 15-year award
  • three panel members received a 10-year award
  • 10 panel members received a five-year award
  • four former panel members received awards for between seven and 28 years of service to the children’s panel.

North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson, in her role as local authority representative, said: “It was a privilege to be part of this special celebration and a brilliant opportunity to meet volunteers who selflessly give up their time to support the important work of the Children’s Panel.

“The roles they play are vital in ensuring that young people get the support and guidance they need and deserve, when they need it. I would like to congratulate – and thank – every one of the volunteers for their service.”

Children’s Hearings Scotland are currently recruiting panel members nationally, if you are interested and want to find out more about how you can get involved and make a difference in your community, visit: chscotland.gov.uk/.

The deadline for the current national recruitment is Monday, September 30. Apply online now at: chscotland.gov.uk/volunteer-with-us/