Includem are delighted to announce that at an event hosted by Young Scot and the Sunday Mail, Denisha Killoh was named the Young Scot Unsung Hero of the Year 2022, an award sponsored by Solace Scotland.
The annual Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards recognises young people aged 11-26 from across Scotland for their outstanding contributions to the nation and their communities.
Denisha was nominated for her role as the Lead of the includem National Childhood Bereavement Project which is funded by the Scottish Government as well as for her work as the Scotland Commissioner on the Future Generations Commission and her previous work as the Stigma co-chair of the Independent Care Review.
This award comes in advance of the National Childhood Bereavement Project’s final report and recommendations to the Scottish Government will be published later this year. Over the last two years the Project has heard from over 300 people across all 32 Scottish local authorities to inform its findings. At the heart of the recommendations are the experiences of people with lived experience of childhood bereavement, who have co-designed every part of the Project.
Commenting on the news, Martin Dorchester, Chief Executive of includem said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Denisha has been recognised for her fantastic work by the judges of the Young Scot Award at last night’s reception.
“Since day one, Denisha has put her passion and determination into ensuring the national childhood bereavement project has at its heart the voices of those with lived experience of childhood bereavement. This is despite the challenges presented to us by Covid-19.
“On behalf of us all here at includem, congratulations Denisha and well done – we are all very proud of you.”
Denisha added:
“It feels surreal to have received the Young Scot Unsung Hero award this year.
“I’m so proud of the work the Project has done over the last 18 months. I’m grateful to all the people who have played a role in shaping in it, especially the bereaved children and young people who have shared their journey with us.
“This award has came at a special time for me personally, as my mum would be turning 68 this week. I’m glad I get to celebrate her life and legacy, and honour the phenomenal woman she was by dedicating this award to her,”
