On 28th November 2023, youth work charity Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) Scotland formally received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award in The Fishmonger’s Hall, London.

Created to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, this award recognises 20 national charities whose work empowers young people aged 16-25, and whose work relies on volunteer support.

This award is the highest accolade a local voluntary group in the UK can achieve, and it is the equivalent of an MBE.

Princess Anne presented the certificates and two young volunteers, Joe and Fay, accepted the award on behalf of the charity.

Joe said: “It was absolutely amazing to be chosen by OYT Scotland to receive the award down in London, and it was so great for the Trust to be recognised like this.”

Supported by a base of more than 200 volunteers, OYT Scotland has been providing life-changing youth work on the waves to disadvantaged young people from across Scotland.

The Trust’s skilled sailing volunteers work tirelessly aboard their two 70ft yachts, providing dynamic and educational youth work voyages to more than 600 young people each year.

These young people come from a range of backgrounds and circumstances including young carers, care experienced young people and those at risk of engaging in the criminal justice system.

On shore, committed volunteers help to fundraise, build the Trust’s profile and provide vital office support to the Trust’s small staff team.

Lucie Aitkenhead, Chair of OYT Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award recognising the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. They are the backbone of our organisation, without whom we would not be able to deliver our life-changing
youth work at sea.”

Other recipients of the award included the British Red Cross, YMCA, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Scouts.