Castlemilk Youth Complex Board of Directors write about their amazing National Youth Work Award experience – from being nominated to winning on the night!
Background to the programme and why we were nominated?
We were buzzing when we found out that Castlemilk Youth Complex, right here in Glasgow, had been nominated for a National Youth Work Award!! It’s a huge honour, and we were so proud to see the voices of young people in our community being recognised on a national level.
At the Complex, it’s always been about more than just turning up – we give young people real power to shape what happens here. From planning events and leading projects, to sitting on our Youth Board and influencing decisions that affect the wider community, our young people aren’t just participants—they’re leaders.
The nomination (and being the winner of the Participation and Youth Voice category last year) was a real celebration of the incredible work being done every day in Castlemilk. It shows what’s possible when young people are given the space, support and respect to speak up and take charge. Whether it’s tackling issues that matter locally or creating powerful art and performances, the youth voice here is strong, creative and proud.
Massive thanks to YouthLink Scotland for recognising our work, and even bigger thanks to the young people of Castlemilk—this is for you.
What it felt like to be nominated
What a feeling when I heard we were up for the Youth Participation and Youth Voice Award, I was pure stunned—but at the same time, no really. We’ve put the graft in, spoke up when it mattered, and tried to make a real difference. Still, getting recognised for it? That hit different. It’s class to know folk are actually listening to what we’ve got to say. No everybody gets that chance, so being given a voice—and having it heard—means everything. This nomination’s not just a pat on the back; it’s a sign that young people can make change. And honestly? That feels amazing.
Build up to the awards..
Buzzin’ for this, honestly. Been firin’ it into every group chat, sendin’ it to pals, aunties, uncles—anyone that’ll listen—to get folk nominated. It’s class to see people finally talkin’ about the good stuff that’s goin’ on, and it feels nice to get a bit of recognition for it. What I’m really chuffed about, though, is that folk are startin’ to chat properly about CYC and how young people are actually makin’ a difference. It’s no just about winnin’ something it’s about showin’ the community what we’re capable of. Can’t wait to see how it all pans out. We decided we weren’t gonna buy new outfits—nae need for it. Instead, we dug out our old prom dresses and suits, or borrowed bits and pieces from pals, cousins, aunties whoever had somethin’ decent goin’. It was a belter of an idea, honestly. Nobody had to splash the cash, and we still turned up lookin’ class. It felt good knowin’ we were cuttin’ down on waste too, and gettin’ another wear out of stuff that usually just sits in the back of the wardrobe. Pure proud of how everyone pulled it together.
Excitement on the day
OMG, today was absolutely mental! The National Youth Work Awards are coming up, and the build-up has been insane. We’ve been sending around cheer-on videos, and the vibes are just electric – it honestly feels like we’ve already hit the jackpot. Everyone’s been so hyped, and seeing all the support has been incredible.
Impact on my life and the young people I deliver to
When we found out we’d won, we were pure buzzing. Like, actual lottery vibes. Messages were flying in fae folk all over — pals, old youth workers, family, even folk we’d not heard from in ages. Everyone just saying how proud they were. It meant the world. But here’s the thing — this win wasn’t just for us. It was for every young person that’s ever walked through the doors at CYC. For the ones grafting behind the scenes. For the board members fae back in the day, the ones here now, and the ones still to come. It gave our 30th anniversary a proper kick up the backside — like boom, here’s the recognition the work’s always deserved. And no just in Glasgow either. People across the country were noticing. Folk were actually talking about Castlemilk in a good way for once. We’ve always known the youth work we do changes lives. This just showed the rest of the world. And if this can open more doors for the next lot of young yins coming up? Then it’s not just a win — it’s a statement. We’re here. We’re making noise. And we’re no done yet.
#CastlemilkYouthComplex #YouthVoice #YouthParticipation #YLSAwards
Castlemilk Youth Complex Board of Directors