Kelly Ross from Oasis Youth Centre has been shortlisted in the National Youth Work Awards 2020. She started her journey as a young person, going on to become a youth worker at the centre before eventually managing the project.
Kelly uses her own experience as a young person who accessed the service to influence how she runs it, putting young people at its heart and ensuring that every volunteer and staff member follows this ethos. She has been described as a “mother, big sister, guardian angel and saviour” by the people she works with, all of whom look up to her as a role model. Her nominator Haylie Crosbie believes Kelly’s empathy and experience makes her a unique leader and ensures the centre meets the needs of every young person. She said: “The impact she has had on the thousands of young people, volunteers and staff she has worked with over the years is unquantifiable and it is about time that she is recognised for that.
“Kelly is an inspiration for all who meet her, always going above and beyond to support anyone who needs it. She never gives less than 100 per cent and regardless of the stress at work, she will take the time to speak to any young person who walks through the door. She has been and continues to be a mum, big sister, best friend and guardian angel all wrapped up in one for the hundreds of young people she has supported to meet and exceed their goals.
“If we can be half the role model and inspiration that Kelly has been to us then we will be very happy. There is no one more deserving of this award.”
