AN EAST Kilbride mum has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her outstanding voluntary work.

Helen Morton, 71, was recognised for dedicating 12 years to NSPCC’s Glasgow Childline service, which helps youngsters with a range of problems including bullying, self-harm and suicide.

She was presented with the award by Lady Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire.

Helen, a mum-of-two, said: “I am absolutely honoured to receive the British Empire Medal as it’s such an amazing award.

“It’s lovely to be thanked for what I do but just like everyone else at Childline, that’s not why you do it.

“You do it because you want to be there to support the children and young people.

“It’s fantastic that the work of Childline is being recognised with this award more than me personally.

“The important thing for me is that young people know about the Childline service so if this award raises Childline’s profile then that’s brilliant.

“The main reason I volunteer for Childline is because I absolutely love it – just being able to be part of something like Childline is amazing.

“If Childline wasn’t there who could children and young people turn to for help?

“It’s sad that some children don’t have anyone else they can talk to or confide in. It’s great to feel that I can be there for them and be a part in helping so many children and young people.”

Helen also called on more people who are interested in helping and supporting young people to get in touch to find out more about what it involves.

She added: “I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering with Childline to absolutely give it a go. It is one of the best things I have ever done as you get so much from it, knowing you have done a wee bit to help young people. Give it a go and come and join our wonderful team.”

Lady Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, said: “I was delighted to present the British Empire Medal to Helen for services to children and young people.

“Helen has volunteered at Childline for the last 12 years. She is committed to helping, supporting and counselling children and young people when they feel at their most vulnerable.

“She does this and so much more at Childline, all of the work she does is carried out voluntarily. Helen is a very special lady and a very worthy recipient of the British Empire Medal.”

Jayne Laidlaw, Childline Glasgow manager, praised Helen’s contribution and said: “Helen is a very valued member of Childline Glasgow’s volunteering team.

“Over the years she’s listened to, comforted and supported thousands of children and young people from all over the UK who needed a safe space to talk through their worries.

“Helen uses all the skills from her Childline training to do her very best for any young person she works with.

“She also helps to interview and train new volunteers and is a popular counsellor on our busy shifts.

“Helen truly deserves this special recognition for her hard work and dedication to children and we are all absolutely delighted for her.”

To find out more about volunteering, go to nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/volunteering-nspcc-childline/volunteer-childline-helpline.

The Glasgow Childline base will be holding Volunteer Information Meetings on Tuesday, July 31 at 6pm, Saturday, August 4 at 3.30pm and Tuesday, August 7 at 6pm.