An inspirational role model from the Isle of Man who has helped transform the lives of vulnerable young people for the past 18 years has been recognised with a national honour.
Scott Wilson, has been given a British Citizen Award for his services to the community.
The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society. BCAs are awarded twice annually, and recognise ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.
Scott, has worked with vulnerable young people on the Isle of Man as part of the Youth Justice Team since moving there seven years ago, after previously working with young people in London for 11 years. His support and intervention, often going over and above that required within his job, has helped many young people turn away from a life of crime and instead access employment, education and training.
Scott organised and set up an Appropriate Adult scheme on the island to help vulnerable people, including those in care, to understand how they can be supported should they get into trouble with the police. Before his intervention, there was no fully independent support available. He is also a great advocate of ‘restorative justice’ meetings, where crime victims are given the chance to show the harm that has been caused by the crime, and offenders are given the chance to put things right.
Those he has helped have said that his enthusiasm, hard work and determination has allowed them to feel like a valued part of the community again and to realise their potential. His dedication has also helped break down barriers faced by the island’s vulnerable and disadvantaged young people from employers and wider society.
Scott, is one of 30 medallists who were honoured at a prestigious ceremony on July 6, at the Palace of Westminster. All BCA recipients have positively impacted society, undertaking various activities in support of a number of causes. Each will receive a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’. Medallists are also invited to use the initials BCA after their name.
Speaking about his nomination, Scott said: “Finding out about the award was a shock really. In my line of work, you don’t really get people coming back all the time and saying thanks you for helping me.
“I spoke to a young woman recently who I had helped six years ago and she told me she was just about to move into a new flat and that I had helped her turn her life around. It made me realise that I do actually make a difference to people’s lives and it’s quite touching really.”
The awards are in partnership with customer experience management company, InMoment, and are supported by the world’s largest optical retailer, Specsavers; one of the largest property and leisure management, development and regeneration companies in the UK, Places for People; leading ethical law firm Irwin Mitchell; the UK and Europe’s leading palletised freight distribution company, Pall-Ex, owned by BCAs Patron Hilary Devey; and specialist marketing, PR and communications agency, Lime Marketing, Communications and Productions.
Scott was presented with his award by Places For People’s Group Executive Director of Affordable Housing, Pat Egan, who said: “Literally without Scott’s enthusiasm and dedication many young disadvantaged people in the Isle of Man would not have had the opportunities that they now have. He has changed young people’s lives by tackling issues when no-one else was there to do so.”
Scott was nominated for a BCA by a young service-user, and a friend and colleague Marcia Brabbs.
Entries for the next round of awards, which will take place in January 2018, are now open. To nominate someone, visit www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk or call 0203 002 7764.
Photo - l-r Michael Underwood, Scott Wilson BCA, Pat Egan, Places for People.
