With over 20 years of dedication to supporting and empowering young people, Laura has journeyed from being a participant in youth groups to becoming Youth Worker of the Year 2024 — “an honour that still feels surreal”.
Starting out as a young person in local youth services, Laura was inspired early on by the power of positive role models and the opportunities to try new things. That inspiration turned into a lifelong commitment to give back and make a difference.
With over 20 years of dedication to supporting and empowering young people, Laura has journeyed from being a participant in youth groups to becoming Youth Worker of the Year 2024 — an honour that still feels surreal. Starting out as a young person in local youth services, Laura was inspired early on by the power of positive role models and the opportunities to try new things. That inspiration turned into a lifelong commitment to give back and make a difference.
Laura’s career in youth and community work has been dedicated to empowering and supporting young people across a wide range of settings — from youth centres and schools to detached street-based youth work.
She has a genuine passion for all aspects of youth work, with a particular interest in youth participation. She has played a key role in supporting initiatives such as the young women’s network and the young leaders programme, helping young people find their voice and take the lead in shaping their communities.
Laura loves country music, cooking, collecting Tupperware (you heard it!) and spends her time away from work catching up with friends and family.
Laura said “Being nominated and then announced as the winner of the Youth Worker of the Year award was a moment of pride, excitement, and emotion.
The experience of attending the awards ceremony, surrounded by passionate, talented finalists, was not only humbling but truly inspiring. Hearing about the incredible work others are doing across the country reminded me of the strength of the youth work community and the shared drive to change lives. Not for one minute did I expect to hear my name called out, and for once in my life I was totally speechless!
So much so, that when I went onto the stage, and was asked to give the audience a piece of advice, I straight up quoted my Service Manager’s most used mantra “youth work isn’t a job, it’s a calling, a vocation” And he’s completely right, although I will never let down stealing his motto!
Winning the award has been amazing. For me it was a moment of validation after decades of hard work, often behind the scenes, and it gave me a fresh sense of confidence and purpose. A year on, people still mention it to me and it fills me full of pride and admiration and serves me as a reminder of the impact youth workers can have. Colleagues, friends, and especially the young people I work with were over the moon. Their pride made the achievement all the more special. I was given a folder full of emails and letters of support from young people, colleagues and partners that was submitted as part of my nomination and on the days (we all have them!) when I wonder if we are doing enough, or the right thing, I pull it out and it remotivates me! I’ll keep it forever!
From running youth groups and residentials to co-producing projects with young leaders and activists, I have always make sure young people are at the centre of everything I do. Whether it’s creating safe, fun spaces for self-expression or tackling serious issues like mental health, identity, or inequality, my work is always guided by the belief that young people deserve to be heard, respected, and empowered and I will continue to do this for as long as I am on earth.
Being named Youth Worker of the Year wasn’t just a personal achievement — it was a celebration of every young person who’s walked through a youth centre door, every colleague who shares the mission, and every community that believes in the power of youth work.
A huge well done to all the 2025 finalists and winners, enjoy every minute, take the night off to celebrate, reflect and be inspired by all the amazing people around you. A massive shout out to everyone at Youthlink for the work and energy that goes into hosting such an amazing event year on year, thank you so much!7
Laura Kiltie, Youth Development Worker – Dumfries & Galloway Council