David is Climate Change Champion

The Food Punks project, launched in 2012, delivers a range of initiatives to promote the use of local and seasonal food, to reduce food waste and to encourage people to grow their own food. The youth team also run Bike Punks, a bike recycling and cycle training project.

“I’m over the moon with winning the climate change champion award last night and have had a fantastic night with everybody. Great venue, great people and superbly organised! I’m delighted to accept this award on behalf of the staff, volunteer team and young people of Tweeddale Youth Action. The past year and a half has been a Herculean effort from the entire team and it feels fantastic to have our achievements recognised through this award.”

Minister for Children & Young People Aileen Campbell said:“I’m delighted to have been invited to join so many inspiring individuals at the Awards – to celebrate and promote the immense value of Scotland’s youth work sector to our young people and our wider communities.  Youth work not only builds the self-esteem and confidence of young people for future opportunities, it also helps to prepare them for the world of work – providing opportunities for awards and life experiences they may not achieve otherwise. I congratulate David and all his team on receiving this award. ”

Commenting, Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland, said:“Every year my respect increases for the dedication shown by youth work volunteers and staff, who despite tough economic times and reducing budgets keep their focus on enabling young people to change their lives for the better. David Hodson and his team are a great example of the dedication shown by youth workers, he demonstrates how great youth work can inspire young people to participate and achieve.