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
Horse power will drive young people to success
An innovative programme which aims to harness the magic of horses to engage young people back into education is being offered to East Renfrewshire young people for the first time.
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Launch of new vision for East Renfrewshire
A bold new vision has been launched which sets out the shared hopes and aspirations for East Renfrewshire between now and 2040.
READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORE
Council celebrates employees at annual awards
East Renfrewshire Council hosted its annual employee celebration event – the We Are East Ren Awards – to recognise hard-working employees going above and beyond for residents.
READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line
A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024
Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025
50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MORE
Writers celebrate Book Week Scotland at East Renfrewshire Libraries
East Renfrewshire libraries celebrated Book Week Scotland in style, welcoming children and adult writers along for a series of fun, interactive events.
READ MORE
Family festive fun at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life this December.
READ MORE
Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MORE
Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos
A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MORE
Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas
itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MORE
Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland
A pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.
READ MORE
Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue in Scotland
To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Asda Foundation supports lonely over 60s this Christmas
Asda and Asda Foundation pledges almost £1 million to help combat loneliness and isolation in the older generation this festive period through its 'Don't be Gnome Alone this Christmas' campaign.
READ MORE
IKEA Christmas tree offer launching in Scotland this month
IKEA is giving shoppers a £20 voucher for every real tree purchased for £29 in its Scottish stores from 23rd November – with pre-orders available now.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is set to sell the cheapest real Christmas trees this festive season
Aldi Scotland announces the return of its freshly cut Nordmann Fir trees, with prices starting from just £13.99.
READ MORE
Scottish stars Skerryvore launch biggest show to date for 20th anniversary
Legendary Scottish band Skerryvore have today unveiled plans to stage a special one-off concert – their biggest to date – to mark their 20th anniversary.
READ MORE
Scottish pubs to help tackle loneliness this Christmas
17 pubs across Scotland are calling on their customers to help spread a little Christmas cheer by writing cards to people facing loneliness and isolation this Christmas.
READ MORE
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues across Scotland
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues in Scotland – including a very special Andrea Bocelli screening this weekend.
READ MORE
Play time upgrades across East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire Council is set to upgrade play areas across East Renfrewshire in the coming months.
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure announce their Winterfest programme
East Ren Culture and Leisure has announced its Winterfest programme, with a whole host of classes, events, workshops, cinema screenings and panto lined up to spread some festive cheer!
READ MORE
Gavin & Stacey star kickstarts initiative to support the elderly this Christmas
Supermarket teams up with national treasure Larry Lamb to reimagine its in-store cafes as 'Chatty Cafés' and help spark conversations this Christmas.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links