The ASC team was bursting with pride at Perth University of the Highlands and Islands prize giving this week as resident, Liam McLeod, received a Leadership Skills Award, and a trophy to boot!

Liam’s journey with Perth UHI began in 2019, when he enrolled in a weekly programme called Stepping In Access. The programme’s aim is to help young people and adults undertaking ‘bite-sized’ learning activities to develop personal and practical skills, self-awareness and confidence in expressing their views and opinions.

To support this pursuit, Liam’s tutor would visit and teach daily living skills, from how to budget and eating healthily to DIY – he even learned how to paint the activities room at ASC, the Balbeggie specialist campus he calls home. Liam also attended a weekly football training class, which was game-changing for his physical and mental wellbeing.

Although the lesson plan changed during covid, sessions were delivered over Microsoft Teams instead. In 2021, Liam received an ASDAN Award for all his hard work to date. He went on to study different projects on zoology and geography, which continued until the summer of 2022, when weekly in-person sessions recommenced. Much to Liam’s joy, so did the football training! His confidence grew and he became team captain.

For the next three years, Liam continued to attend college for football, but in August 2024, onsite sessions came to an end.

Liam has now completed his last year at UHI Perth and has been fully supported by ASC’s Lead Activities Coordinator, Anne Foulds, and several other members of the specialised team.

Recapping his highlights, Liam said: “I’ve loved learning how to support people and finding out more about our country. Being captain for the football team was good!”

Anne said: “Watching Liam’s confidence grow over these past six years and seeing what he has achieved across the time I’ve known him has made me extremely proud. His life and social skills, and his willingness to help and support others, has taken leaps and bounds.

“In fact, he has put it all to use as a volunteer for a social enterprise called Uppertunity in Dundee, where he was recognised with a volunteer appreciation award for their cafe, Serendipities. It’s just such a pleasure to see him flourish.”