A YOUNG woman from Stevenston has won two accolades at the Scottish Youth Parliament’s annual awards for her work for young people affected by mental health issues.

Courtney Gemmell MSYP was presented with the ‘Achievement of the Year’ and ‘Unsung Hero’ awards at the glitzy SYP Awards 2017 ceremony, held in Portobello Town Hall on Saturday, March 25.

The independent panel of judges were impressed by work Courtney has done in her constituency of Cunninghame South and across North Ayrshire in making support and information on mental health more accessible for young people and those who work closely with them.

Courtney secured £6,000 of funding to create a comprehensive mental health toolkit, in conjunction with North Ayrshire Council’s Youth Services, which includes interactive workshops, distractions, support and information on mental health. She consulted over 1,000 young people on its content and design, and launched the toolkit earlier this month.

The person who nominated Courtney said: “The local work she has done and will continue to do not only strengthens the fight against negative mental health but has also highlighted SYP’s national campaign which she works tirelessly to promote on her journey.

“Courtney deserves recognition as I know she doesn’t realise the impact she’s making on young people’s lives, and isn’t one to sing her own praises.”

Courtney said: “To even get one award is amazing, but to get two is just out of this world. I cannot explain how I’m feeling right now.

“I want to say a very special thank you to my fellow MSYPs from North Ayrshire and to my amazing support worker. I couldn’t have achieved all this without you.

“Thank you so much.”