Across Dumfries and Galloway, Libby Ong is making sure where you live doesn’t limit what you can experience.

As County Commissioner, she supports 578 girls and over 150 volunteers, creating opportunities for young people in rural communities who might otherwise miss out.

From organising county-wide events to leading trips – including taking 12 girls to India’s World Centre – Libby opens doors to experiences that build confidence and ambition. She’s known for going the extra mile, whether that’s travelling long distances to support a group or making sure every young person feels included.

Young people describe her as someone who makes them feel safe, confident and ready to try new things.

John McGregor’s story is the kind youth work is built on, from finding support to becoming it.

Now 19, John is Chairperson of the Youth Council at Toryglen Community Youth Project, supporting young people while drawing on his own experience of care and additional support needs.

He builds trust quickly, especially with young people who are anxious or disengaged, helping them feel understood and part of something. Through mentoring, leadership and everyday support, he creates a calm, inclusive environment where young people can grow in confidence.

His journey shows what’s possible. As staff say, John proves that your past doesn’t define your future.

From shy S2 pupil to one of the most relied-on volunteers in North East Fife, Cameron Hamilton’s journey is written through action.

Over the past two years, he has contributed 200+ volunteer hours across multiple youth work settings, supporting clubs, summer programmes and community events while balancing college and caring responsibilities.

Known for his creativity and calm approach, Cameron uses drama and informal support to help young people build confidence and feel part of the group. He regularly travels across rural communities – often by multiple buses – just to make sure he can show up.

As one young person said: “Youth work is better when Cammy is there.”