A young Dundonian who grew up in care has been named Citizen of the Year for his inspirational work supporting other young people going through the same system.
Andrew Lorimer, 26, wants to use his experiences to help improve the lives of others through his involvement with a number of organisations, including Dundee’s Looked After Children Champions Board.
The Champions Board brings together chief officers, elected members, young people and their supporters to discuss and make decisions on an agenda set by the youngsters themselves.
A founding member of the Champions Board, Andrew has been working on a number of initiatives to support young people, including a drop-in service.
Although it is still early days, Andrew said the project has really moved forward over the last six months and they are working on getting a space put together, after which young people will be invited along.
Cindy McNaughton works alongside Andrew on the board of directors of voluntary organisation Who Cares? Scotland, as well as on the Champions Board.
She said peer mentoring was a popular form of support and Andrew is in training to become a mentor as well.
He also works with young people as an officer with the Boys’ Brigade.
Andrew said: “During my time as a looked after child I had ups and downs, so I just want to give something back to the system that helped me and try and make it better for young people nowadays.
“I am proud to be chosen as Citizen of the Year and I hope it will help other looked after young people to see what they can achieve.”
Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan said, although there were a lot of nominations for this year’s award, Andrew stood out as someone who had done a lot for his age.
“It is unusual to have someone so young win Citizen of the Year just because many young people don’t get involved in the community,” the provost said.
“So many young people nowadays don’t have the ambition to help other young people but Andrew is a great example of someone who has done a huge amount in the short time he has been working in the community.
“He is a quite exceptional candidate and a worthy winner.”
Chief executive of Dundee City Council David Dorward, who meets the Champions Board throughout the year, said Andrew was an inspiration.
“It is quite humbling to see a young person who has come through care trying to improve that journey for other looked after children,” Mr Dorward said.
The official Dundee Citizen of the Year ceremony will take place on February 25.