Young People Shine Through Denis Law RGUplus Awards

Denis Law Legacy TrustRobert Gordon University

Mar 11

Since launching in February 2024, the Denis Law RGUplus Award has recognised the commitment, citizenship and social responsibility of people making a positive impact through volunteering.

Now, several young people and community volunteers from Denis Law Legacy Trust and beyond have received their bronze and silver awards and over the summer, Mike Melvin became the first recipient of the honorary Denis Law RGUplus Award for his enormous contribution to volunteering in Aberdeen city and shire.

Caitlin, Marcus and Dennis have all received silver Denis Law RGUplus Awards for 100 hours of volunteering and undertaking activities that benefit the community. Below are their reflections on taking part in the award:

Caitlin Lipp

“During the October holidays I went to the NHS Autumn School, which went on for a week. It involved me going to different hospitals in Aberdeen such as the Suttie Centre, Woodend Hospital, Cornhill Hospital, RACH Royal Aberdeen hospital and Maternity hospital. At the hospitals, I would be there from 8;45am until 4pm and each day was something different.

“On the first day, we had an induction where I got to meet new people and go on a surgical tour around the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, which was very interesting. On the second day we took a tour of Woodend Hospital and then of the theatre. At first, I thought the tours were quite scary only because the surgical instruments were very small, but I still enjoyed them overall. On the third day, we went to Cornhill Hospital and I learned more about mental health and learning disabilities. I found that part most interesting because I have ADHD myself, so I learned some new things about the subject that I found useful.

“On our fourth day, we were at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. I was in a group of three, with the friends I had made during the NHS Autumn School and we did a presentation about why we wanted to take part in the programme. I took part because I was interested in the NHS and wanted to learn more about midwifery. We then got the opportunity to go to the maternity hospital which I was really excited for. We got to see the neonatal unit where all the incubators are, as well as seeing the birthing pool and postnatal wards. Finally to wrap up the day, we got to see a day in the life of a midwife student nurse.

“On the last day we were back at the Suttie Centre, where we did group mock interviews and took part in a values-based reflection practice. After which I received my certificate for completing the school. This experience has now helped me make up my mind in what I want to do in future because I was a little uncertain before but I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and take responsibility in representing my school and Denis Law Legacy Trust at the NHS Autumn School.”

Caitlin receiving her certificate for completing NHS Autumn School

Marcus receiving his 300 hours volunteering certificate from Denis Law Legacy Trust

Marcus Crooks

“I started my volunteering journey with Streetsport when I was 14, prior to this, I had been involved in the Torry Community Day committee since I was 12.”

“I have volunteered at the Torry Community Days for the past 3 years and they have all been very successful. There are a lot of different responsibilities, such as attending regular meetings for 8 weeks and taking on assigned roles like contacting people and companies in my free time. We also had to apply for grants which we needed and then had to budget any money we ended up getting.

“The companies we then contacted to organise activities and food for the day were PJ events, Shot n Roll, Citimoves, Bev the local icer, RGU Boxing, Hudson’s catering and 360-Photo Booth Aberdeen. I managed to complete a successful negotiation with 2 companies so that we got the cheapest price and had more money for different activities and catering. I found this very rewarding. I also went into the Streetsport office to help create a poster advertising the fun day, so that the local Torry community and wider community, such as Cove and Kincorth, knew what was going to be there.”

“On the day itself, I took the lead when it came to assigning people their roles. For example, the 10 of us who took part in organising the community day had to man a stall, play a football game or just help out in general. I arrived before the set up and helped build the gazebos and Panna. Then, Kelsey (another committee member) and I manned a stall, giving out free drinks and sweets. I also helped Alaina, the Volunteer Officer, make sure that all external organisations were where they needed to be. We were hit with a few curve balls, but we all came together as a team and made the day a success.

“The community days have been so successful that they have now been nominated at the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards, for campaign of the year. I feel so honoured to be a part of this amazing team of people and to give back to my community. I am so thankful to Streetsport for allowing me to have the privilege to help do something so good and wholesome for the Torry area - and for being a charity that offers these activities, because I wouldn’t know what I would do if Streetsport wasn’t a thing.”

Dennis Strachan

“I started volunteering with Streetsport at 14 and throughout the year I have completed over 260 hours. While volunteering at one of the sessions I do regularly, I noticed the equipment in the vans could be more organised to help the staff at the session. So, I then offered my free time to come into the office and clean out the vans.

“While in the office I noticed that Aimee, the Streetsport Operations Co-ordinator, had lots of things on her desk that she needed to do, such as checking the vans, and I offered to do that alongside organising the equipment.

“Aimee then took me out to show me how to do the van checks, I checked the condition of the van’s bodywork, made sure that the first-aid kit had everything it needed. Made sure that the toolbox and spare wheel were ready in case of emergencies. Also, I made sure all rubbish in the van was removed and all relevant PPE was stocked up. Last thing I did was put the equipment back where it belonged and made sure all the right equipment was in the correct vans for sessions.

“I enjoyed helping outside of Streetsport sessions, so much so, that I then volunteered to help organise the Torry Community Fun Day which involved regular meetings once a week, for 8 weeks. When the fun day came around, I took on a role, helping set up a football game on the astro and engage with any kids that came onto the pitch.

“Another event that I volunteered at was the ‘Sport di Strada’ which is annually held at the Aberdeen Sports Village. It takes place every summer and brings different football teams from areas across the city, such as Torry and Northfield, to compete in a football tournament to try and win a trophy. I supported this event by preparing the match cards to keep a record of who won every game. I also organised 8 different colours of bibs so there were small and large sizes for younger and older teams. I then placed them into bags, which were labelled with the correct teams on them.

“Throughout the extra volunteering I have done this year through the Denis Law RGUplus Award, I really enjoyed the experience and will definitely be helping out with the same events next year. In future, I am more than happy to help with any other events or extra jobs that Streetsport has to offer.”