| Jenny Christie (23), who volunteers at the St Andrew’s Family Support project in King Street church hall, said she was “shocked” to be nominated for the Buchanan’s Scotland Young People of the Year Award.
The young mum’s efforts were featured in the Channel 4 programme The Secret Millionaire when it visited the church recently. She joined the project with her daughter Demi, now four, two years ago.
Jenny said, “Some of the friends I used to keep are now drinking and doing drugs a lot. Without the project, that would have been my story.
“Getting nominated for the award is brilliant and so unexpected. The St Andrew’s project kicked it all off. It has changed my life for the better.”
St Andrew’s Family Support is a facility for parents aged 21 and under that offers support and provides training and learning activities.
Jenny was nervous and lacked confidence when she started on the project, but with support she learned to mix with others. Volunteers were “positive but not pushy.”
She has gone on to represent the project at women’s conventions in Dundee and at the Scottish Parliament.
Jenny also starts a four-year course in community learning and development at Dundee University in September, and “can’t wait” to begin her studies. She said, “That is the biggest thing for me. I feel like I’m starting a proper life now.” |
