A grandmother from Bridge of Weir has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to children and young people by the Queen in her annual Birthday Honours List.
Margaret Robertson has been volunteer with Childline Glasgow for 12 years where she has supported and counselled children and young people for a wide range of issues including bullying, self-harm and suicide.
She has given up more than 1,300 hours of her own time for Childline and has been involved in the interviewing and training of over 100 volunteers for the charity.
Ms Robertson said: “When I opened the letter I thought it was a mistake. I was in complete disbelief. Then I called the number to double-check it was meant for me. I realised then that my ChildLine colleagues had nominated me. It was overwhelming.
“Once I got over the shock and surprise, I was absolutely thrilled. ChildLine means a lot to me – I love the organisation and everything it does for young people. To be given this medal for my services is a great honour.
“I absolutely love volunteering – it’s very rewarding. The children are wonderful – they are bright and so respectful, and appreciative of the time you take to listen to them.
“You get so much back from counselling and it also restores your faith in humanity. It’s also nice to give something back to the young people as they really need ChildLine.”
Elaine Chalmers, head of ChildLine services for Scotland praised Meg for her devotion to her role.
She said: “Meg has been an inspirational ChildLine volunteer for 12 years and has offered over 1,300 hours of volunteering time in counselling alone helping thousands of children and young people. In addition she has interviewed, trained or mentored more than 100 potential volunteers, further supporting ChildLine's essential work with children and young people.
“Her warm, supportive manner and comfortable style have allowed her to build a rapport with the children she speaks to, working at their pace to help them explore their situation and options, and empowering them to make safe choices. This is a well-deserved award and we are all delighted that she has been recognised for this honour.”
Margaret will be presented with the medal by the Lord-Lieutenant at a local ceremony this year and will be invited to a Royal Garden Party next summer.
