Sarah is crowned Coronation Champion!

Almost 5000 nominations were received in total for the awards which are part of an official Coronation project organised by the Royal Voluntary Service to celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the country who have been contributing to their communities.

Sarah was nominated by the Council’s Vibrant Communities team for the volunteering she does within her local community. Although she is a young carer and spends a lot of time supporting her family, she is also passionate about equalities and improving the lives of others, and this is reflected in her commitment to ensuring that people’s voices are heard. 

Part of the way she does this is through her role as Vice Chair of the East Ayrshire Children and Young People’s Cabinet where she raises issues of importance to young people in order to bring about positive change, and works hard to tackle the many negative perceptions that exist of young people in general.

Sarah has also volunteered with #YouthVIP, engaging with young people to reduce the barriers to the experience of volunteering, and runs an Eco Group at her school, as well as the Student Improvement Group. She is also a member of 4ward2gether, a local anti-discrimination charity which aims to tackle prejudice and celebrate diversity in the community. 

On top of all of this, she is a member of New Farm Community Council and works part-time in addition to focusing on her studies at St Joseph’s Academy.

Sarah’s Coronation Champion award includes a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a signed certificate from both of Their Majesties. She will also be attending the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on 7 May.

Sarah said: “I couldn’t believe it! It’s an honour to be nominated, never mind to be chosen. Volunteering and working with young people is such an important part of my life, so to be recognised means a lot. Without a doubt, I wouldn't be the same person without volunteering - it's helped me realise the importance of community and helped me decide what I want to do when I'm older. I absolutely cannot wait to celebrate at the Coronation Concert!”

Councillor Jim McMahon, Cabinet Spokesperson for Welfare and Poverty, Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, said: “We were absolutely delighted to hear the news about Sarah. To have been selected as one of only 500 winners from across the UK is an incredible achievement and she is so deserving of this award. The wide range of volunteering activities that Sarah participates in reflects her dedication and passion for helping others, and I have no doubt that she has a very bright future ahead of her.”