A TEENAGER from West Kilbride has just received the Diana Award, set up in 1999 in memory of Princess Diana to recognise young people who are making difference through change.

Andrew Taylor, who is 18, received his award at a special ceremony at the Scottish Parliament last Friday for his work as a mental health advocate, supporting pupils at his school.

He is a sixth year pupil at the High School of Glasgow and is the first-ever pupil at the school to get the Diana Award.

His Diana Award commendation states: “Andrew has been a huge asset in promoting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils at his school.

“He openly encourages pupils to talk about their feelings and seek help by sharing his own experience, helping to break down barriers and tackle the stigma around mental health”

Andrew provides peer group support through the High School’s new health and wellbeing centre, led by senior school nurse and trained counsellor Jane Sim.

Last year Andrew struggled with stress during his exams, and found it initially difficult to ask for help. But after reaching out for support at school he realised how important it is for young people to talk about their feelings.

“Since then he has worked tirelessly and selflessly to promote an accessible service for pupils which supports their mental health”, added the Diana commendation.

He has worked with Mrs Sim to make the centre services more accessible to all pupils at the school and encourage fellow pupils to seek help if they are worried for anxious.

Earlier this year Andrew, a gold medal holder of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and a keen local beekeeper, met Prince Edward, the Duke of Sussex. The Prince asked him about his interest in beekeeping, which developed through the skills option in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme.