AN organisation providing help for vulnerable young people in Ayrshire has appealed for further support.

Children’s Hearings Scotland has issued the call for 60 new Children’s Panel members required to help across the region.

The Children’s Panel, Scotland’s largest legal tribunal, improves outcomes for troubled or at risk children and young people who are in need of care or who have offended.

This year’s recruitment campaign is focused on highlighting what it means to be a panel member in a bid to attract the right candidates and Children’s Hearings Scotland have appealed to those with compassion, empathy and the ability to listen to come forward.

To equip each applicant for the role, there is an initial training programme, spread over two years. Once trained, panel members must commit to on-going training as well as preparation ahead of attending one to two hearings sessions per month.

The campaign is being supported by panel members across Scotland who have spoken of their motivations for getting involved and how they fit panel responsibilities around existing work commitments, including Antonio Cocozza from Stevenston in North Ayrshire.

Antonio has been a member of the Children’s Panel for seven years and is a service manager working with people who have learning disabilities. He applied to become a panel member because he wanted to help children in his local area.

He said: “The Children’s Panel provides you with a great opportunity to give something back to the community and make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Antonio’s employers have been very supportive of his role on the Children’s Panel and are aware of the transferable skills gained through being a panel member.

Antonio continued: “My confidence has increased greatly and I am better at communicating with people. My job involves working with young adults so the skills and knowledge I have from serving on the panel has definitely helped me to deal with them in a more competent way.

“Being a panel member is a rewarding experience but you do face some challenging situations. You must keep an open mind at all times and remember that you are there to support the children and give them a chance at a better future.”

There are currently 2,500 volunteer panel members across Scotland, however new recruits from a range of backgrounds are needed each year to ensure the system continues to offer the best possible support.

Boyd McAdam, National Convener and Chief Executive of Children’s Hearings Scotland, said: “Without the support and commitment of our volunteers, there wouldn’t be a hearings system in Scotland. The role is unique, and those who give their time are unswerving in their dedication to improve the lives of those children and young people who are vulnerable or troubled.

“This year, we want to be clear about the commitment involved in being a panel member in a bid to ensure people who apply understand what being a panel member involves.

“We’re indebted to the many employers who give their employees time off to attend children’s hearings, and would encourage potential applicants to talk to their employer prior to applying.

“Although the commitment is considerable, it is equally rewarding, if not more so. By giving your time, you can help make a real difference to the life of a child or young person facing an uncertain future.”

There will be an information evening on September 15 between 7pm and 9pm in the Andy Murray Room at the Greenwood Conference Centre in Dreghorn for those who are interested in becoming a panel member.

Applicants need to be 18 or over. The deadline for applications is September 25, 2016.

To find out more about becoming a panel member, or to apply online visit www.childrenspanelscotland.org.