A local girl has been shortlisted for the UK’ Largest Diversity Awards 2020.

Erin McCluskey, from Kilbirnie, has been shortlisted for the Positive Role Model Award for Disability at the National Diversity Awards 2020.

Community organisations and role models from across the UK will head to the breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on February 26 to witness the countries 2020 winners being crowned the best of British diversity.

Amongst those being honoured are charities, campaigners and activists, all of whom work tirelessly to combat injustice and discrimination in very different ways.

Erin said: “I am truly honoured to be nominated. My passion for politics comes from the desire to see no-one prevented from pursuing their dreams due to having a disability. Inequality and prejudice must be challenged whenever they arise”.

Erin was elected to serve as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Cunninghame North in June 2018, prior to this Erin had worked with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) as a young campaigner on the Scottish BSL Act 2015, her work on this being recognised by the parliament when she was invited to appear in the 20th anniversary film for their digital exhibition and to discuss how she became politically active as a young deaf woman.

As a trustee with the West of Scotland Deaf Children’s Society, Erin is also helping fight for equality and supporting the young deaf community and their families.

Erin takes an active role with the British Deaf Association (BDA) Youth Advisory Group, supporting other young deaf peers with bullying and mental health challenges.

In November 2019, Erin received the Headteacher’s award from her school, St Roch’s in Glasgow, in recognition for her work with the Holocaust Educational Trust, fundraising for Mary’s Meals and Malawi as well as her peer support work with younger deaf pupils.

Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards said: “Congratulations to all of our shortlisted nominees, it is an honour to recognise your fearlessness, resilience and humanitarian efforts with the rest of the world. Let’s continue the fight for justice, unity and equality for all”.