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
The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MOREEastwood Park Theatre has announced its brand new programme of live music, comedy, drama, family entertainment, cinema screenings and more for 2025.
READ MORETHE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Libraries have partnered with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to deliver a brand new programme of events and activities.
READ MOREHere's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MOREAward winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MOREThis March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MOREA community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MOREitison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.
READ MOREPavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Council hosted this year's Holocaust Memorial Day event on Wednesday 29th January and the theme was For A Better Future.
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MOREScotland’s favourite out-of-this-world event, Galactic Carnival, is preparing to launch in Glasgow this spring, promising an intergalactic adventure packed with thrills!
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MOREScottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MORETop amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORELive Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MOREPavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MOREBBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MOREVue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire residents who joined a targeted exercise programme for people living with medical conditions have vowed to continue prioritising their health and wellbeing in 2025.
READ MOREDog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.
READ MOREIRN-BRU and YO! are reimagining Burns Suppers, teaming up to fuse sushi with haggis to help Glaswegians celebrate Scotland's National Day with a 2025 twist.
READ MORELocal residents can delve into the past and discover more about their family tree, house history and local history research with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's series of heritage sessions.
READ MOREThe Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.
READ MOREKibble Adoption, the newly launched service from the children's care charity, is inviting people to join them for an event that highlights the benefits of adoption for both parents and children.
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Council's employability service, Work EastRen, is ready to help local residents find work this New Year.
READ MORE