Helping other young people improve their lives through her own experiences of growing up in care has earned Bronwyn Wyper a top community accolade from Queens Cross Housing Association.

‘Bronny’, has been recognised in the ‘Young People’s Outstanding Service to the Community’ category at the Pride of Queens Cross Awards.

The awards are designed to recognise outstanding achievements in the community and are open to all Queens Cross Housing Association tenants and staff. The Association received a record number of entries this year across seven categories, including awards for services to the community, health and well-being, community leaders, customer service and environmental projects.

Bronny’s work with the Care Inspectorate came in for particular praise from the judges.

After becoming homeless, she was supported by Queens Cross youth homelessness service for a number of years. She continues to be involved with the association’s homelessness team, volunteers at community events and has just been appointed to the association’s Board.

As a Young Inspector she uses her experience of receiving support to try and improve services for young people across Scotland.

“Bronny is exceptional as she has not let her childhood experiences or becoming homeless hold her back. Using these experiences in a positive way to help others is truly inspirational,” said Queens Cross chief executive, Shona Stephen.

The awards also recognised Queens Cross youth worker Charly McGlinchey for her work in building relationships between local young people and the association, which manages around 4,300 properties in the north west of Glasgow.

“It is fitting that in this, the Scottish Government’s year of the young person, we focus on what our youth have achieved in helping to build stronger, happier communities,” said Shona.

Queens Cross has not just recognised the work of young people in the area over the past year it has invested in them. In the last 12 months the association has taken on two business modern apprentices, two trade apprentices, three graduate trainees and two youth 12 month job placements as well as welcoming Bronny to the its Board.

“We struggle to get diverse membership on our Board so Bronny will give us a real insight into the issues facing our younger tenants which will be invaluable. She will be a real asset for us,” added Shona.

The awards’ main sponsor is renewable energy consultancy OPC Ltd.