VOLUNTEERS who dedicate their time to the Children’s Hearings system were honoured at a special event.

The gathering was organised by East Renfrewshire’s Area Support Team (AST) and the local authority to thank the 25 serving members of the Children’s Panel.

Panel members give up their personal time to attend extensive training and serve on Children’s Hearings, which help to transform youngsters’ lives in their time of need.

Children’s Panel members were credited for making an “invaluable” contribution to the safety and wellbeing of young people across East Renfrewshire.

In particular, tribute was paid to some of the panel’s long-standing members who have offered their services for 20 years and more.

The event was attended by Provost Jim Fletcher and Boyd McAdam, who is the national convener of Children’s Hearings Scotland.

Representatives of East Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration were also in attendance.

Provost Fletcher said the dedication of local panel members and the time AST members freely give to the Children’s Hearings system cannot be overestimated.

He told the Barrhead News: “It is important that their contribution is recognised formally from time to time and I wish to extend my thanks, on behalf of all the vulnerable families and young people that are supported, for the commitment shown.”

Ken McKinlay, area convener of East Renfrewshire AST, which has responsibility for recruiting local panel members, said he was honoured to host the event.

He added: “Children’s Panel members make vital decisions about vulnerable children and young people who are in need of care or who have offended.

“They are responsible for changing the lives of the children and young people that they see and, for that, I would like to thank them sincerely.”

In a bid to boost the service further, East Renfrewshire residents are being urged to consider if they would be willing to join the Children’s Panel.

Panel members are aged 18 or over and come from a wide range of backgrounds.

They are unpaid volunteers who are appointed to the panel for a period of three years at a time.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a Children’s Panel member or a member of the AST is asked to visit www.childrenspanelscotland.org.

Alternatively, for an informal chat about the service and what would be expected of you, call Linda Hutchison on 0141 577 8388 or send an email to Linda.Hutchison@childrenshearings.org.uk.