Award Success For Fife Volunteers

A volunteer who supports disadvantaged kids in Fife's been handed a prestigious award.

Lorraine Lyall gives up her free time to work as a befriender with childrens' charity Barnardos - she has been named 'Volunteer of the Year' by Fife Voluntary Action. She provides intensive support to young people struggling with a range of issues. They enjoy trips together to local parks and community amenities.

On top of that, she has a day job as an adult mental health support worker.

Lorraine said: "Sometimes children just need to be children. I feel I provide a chance for children to have fun and develop new skills when out with them, encouraging them to mix with other children and be themselves. I am absolutely thrilled to win this award and couldn’t believe it when I got another award, I just love my volunteering."

A second volunteer, Mandy McKenzie from Glenrothes, was nominated for the prestigious Marsh Trust volunteer award by the children’s charity for her work with children through befriending for the Family Support Service. 

Sharon Lennie, volunteer coordinate with the Family Support Service said: "Mandy and Lorraine are very friendly and calm people who cope very well even in difficult and stressful situations. They have both helped children to build up their resilience and confidence and have provided them with opportunities to be part of the community. 

"They have gone over and above what is expected of them in their roles as befrienders, and are highly regarded and respected by our staff team. We had no hesitation in nominating them for both awards demonstrating an exceptional level of support and commitment to our service members and for representing our service and Barnardo’s Scotland."