Neilston resident named as East Renfrewshire Citizen of the Year 2024
A volunteer with unwavering dedication to the wellbeing, health and safety of residents across East Renfrewshire has been awarded the Provost Award for his exceptional contributions.
Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 13 December 2024 10:53
East Renfrewshire Council's Provost Award is an annual opportunity to honour a longstanding volunteer for their outstanding service in the community, which makes a difference to the lives of many others, and crown them as Citizen of the Year.
Stephen Byars has been recognised as Citizen of the Year 2024 for his lifesaving work as the dedicated coordinator of the Neilston & Uplawmoor Community First Responder Group, where his voluntary work has spanned across the past decade.
As an integral part of the group since its inception in 2014, Stephen maintains and manages many of the area’s public access defibrillators, going above and beyond to ensure that these crucial resources are readily available in the community, as well as selflessly giving most of his weekends to be available to respond to emergency calls across East Renfrewshire.
With around 80% of out of hospital cardiac arrests happening at home, Stephen is also committed to educating as many people in the local community as possible, with the potentially life-saving skills to start CPR prior to an ambulance arriving, motivating individuals and volunteers to book onto training and supporting them throughout.
The Neilston & Uplawmoor Community First Responder Group is a self-funded volunteer group which runs in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service, throughout East Renfrewshire and the surrounding areas.
Volunteers attend a wide range of calls including cardiac arrests, chest pain, heart problems, breathing difficulties, choking, seizures and strokes, service public access defibrillators in the area, and offer CPR training for the community, whilst raising all-important funds to ensure the group continues to remain operational.
Provost Mary Montague said: “I am delighted to award Stephen Byars with the Provost Award and name him as Citizen of the Year 2024. Stephen has given a tremendous service to East Renfrewshire over the last 10 years, and I am pleased we are able to commend him for his exemplary efforts.
“Thanks to Stephen’s commitment, proactive leadership and tireless advocacy, he ensures that vital public access defibrillators are readily available across East Renfrewshire, helps many people gain essential CPR skills, and gives most of his own spare time to attend to medical emergencies. Stephen has significantly enhanced emergency response capabilities across the community, which fosters a safer environment for residents, and ultimately saves lives.
“A record number of nominations were received for Citizen of the Year 2024, and it’s clear, that now more than ever, we have so many incredible volunteers who support people across East Renfrewshire. The judging panel agreed that this accolade should be awarded to Stephen this year in recognition of his efforts to improving the lives of others.
“Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, if we’ve not chosen your nominee then I’d encourage you to put them forward again next year.”
Stephen Byars, who has lived in Neilston for 25 years, added: “I was delighted to win this award with the help of my group at Neilston & Uplawmoor First Responders. It would have been a hard decision for the board as there were so many worthy volunteers. Volunteering for any organisation is not a selfless act because the volunteer will get so much back from meeting and helping others in one way or another. So I would recommend anyone that’s able to volunteer and give a bit back to the community. It’s great for the soul.”
To find out more about volunteering as a Community First Responder in a group in your area, visit: scottishambulance.com
More information about the Neilston & Uplawmoor Community First Responder Group can be found at: facebook.com/naufirstresponders
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Pavement parking enforcement to be introduced in East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire Council is set to begin enforcement of the pavement parking ban from Monday 5th January 2026.
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio
Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Barrhead Belters spread Christmas cheer across East Renfrewshire
The Barrhead Belters, a choir formed through East Ren Health and Social Care Partnership Community Pathways service, are bringing festive spirit to care homes and community events this Christmas!
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Newton Mearns resident crowned as Citizen of the Year 2025
A volunteer who makes an outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion in East Renfrewshire has been awarded the Provost Award to celebrate her community leadership.
READ MORE
Greenbank Garden nears completion of major daffodil restoration project
Trust staff and volunteers have planted over 70,000 daffodil bulbs at the historic Greenbank Garden as part of the Donate a Daffodil appeal.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Enjoy East Ren announces Winterfest programme
Enjoy East Ren has announced its Winterfest programme, packed full of Christmas cheer, with festive events for all the family.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links