A Neilston man who is dedicated to the wellbeing, health and safety of residents across East Renfrewshire has received the Provost Award for his exceptional contributions.
Stephen Byars has been recognised as East Renfrewshire’s citizen of the year 2024 for his life-saving work as the dedicated coordinator of the Neilston and Uplawmoor community first responder group. His voluntary work has spanned across the past decade.
East Renfrewshire Council’s Provost Award is an opportunity to honour a long-standing volunteer for their outstanding service in the community which makes a difference to the lives of others.
As an integral part of the first responder group since its inception in 2014, Stephen maintains and manages many of the area’s public access defibrillators to ensure these crucial resources are readily available in the community.
He also gives most of his weekends to be available to respond to emergency calls across East Renfrewshire.
With around 80 per cent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happening at home, Stephen is committed to making sure as many people across the community as possible can start potentially life-saving CPR prior to an ambulance arriving.
Stephen, who has lived in Neilston for 25 years, said: “I was delighted to win this award with the help of my group at Neilston and 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.”
The first responder organisation 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.
Group members service public access defibrillators in the area and offers CPR training for the community while raising all-important funds to ensure they can continue to remain operational.
East Renfrewshire Provost Mary Montague added: “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.
“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.”
To find out more about volunteering as a Community First Responder in a group in your area, visit scottishambulance.com/your-community/community-first-responders
Visit facebook.com/naufirstresponders for more information about the Neilston and Uplawmoor community first responder group.
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