Chelsea Cameron knows better than most the tragedy and heartache behind Scotland’s ever rising drug death statistics.
The former Young Scot winner who wrote a forgiving open letter to her addict parents thanking them for showing her how not to life her life has spent years fighting for change.
Chelsea, now 24, has worked tirelessly with addicts, advised the government on social issues, volunteered with the homeless while studying for a degree at university.
And her father’s death from a drugs overdose last year has made her even more determined to become a voice for change.
She said: “I have always been really close to my dad and I tried to help him as best I could.
“His death was totally devastating. This year when the figures come out he will be one of the statistics.
“That has been hard to get my head around and made me even more determined to follow this path.
“My mum is still up and down. But this is my life and addiction is always going to be part of it.
“Would I change my life? No, I wouldn’t because I wouldn’t be here doing what I am doing.”
Her teenage blog post went viral as told her parents how difficult it was growing up with their drug abuse and criminality but instead of blaming them, she thanked them for showing her life was not “rainbows and sunshine”.
Chelsea, from Dundee, helping us launch our search for the Young Scot stars of 2023, said: “I was just 18 when I wrote that letter to my mum and dad and had lived a traumatic life due to their addictions. The letter was my way of letting other young people in a similar situation know they could escape that life and live a better one just like I had.
“Society tries to tell you that’s your fate, if your parents have that sort of lifestyle when you’re growing up then that’s how you’re going to turn out. It’s just destined. But it isn’t. I’m living proof that’s not the case.
“In the last six years I’ve helped advise the government on social policy, worked with the homeless living on the streets of Dundee, told my story at numerous conferences, become a drug and alcohol worker and am now in the third year of a Community Education degree. I’m more determined than ever to make a difference.”
Chelsea, whose parents both spent time in jail, added: “I’m a great believer that everything happens for a reason. I’m still thankful for the childhood I had because it has allowed me to be a better person.
“There may have been tough moments but if I didn’t have the trials and the hardships I have had, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.
“I was born into this family and these circumstances for a reason. If I hadn’t lived it then I might never have got involved in the work I am doing. I have no intention of ever turning my back on my family and the humongous social issues they have alerted me to.”
Chelsea said both the letter and being crowned the Overall Young Scot of 2017 changed her life and helped her to change the lives of others.
The former Menzieshill High School head girl, who volunteers at Graham’s Soup Kitchen in her home city, said: “The letter and winning the Young Scot Awards sent my life in a new direction. After I won I had several meetings with the First Minister and was invited all over the country to share my story.
“I was very politically active and became a member of the Social Justice and Fairness Committee and gave input on the care review. It was crazy.
“As time has gone on I’ve realised there is a place for policy but helping with addiction starts in the community at grass roots level. Listening to a homeless person for five minutes and buying them a coffee can make a huge difference.”
Chelsea, who works for Hillcrest Homes Support Services, lost her dad last April. He was just 57.
She said: “I’m more focused on helping people in the here and now, one step at a time. I also want to help people understand more about addiction which is an illness.
“It is easy to judge someone with an addiction but you might feel different if it is your son, your dad or your mum. I’m trying to fight the stigma as well as the cause.”
Today we launch our search for the stars of 2023, the nation’s young heroes aged 11 to 26 who are making a difference.
Over the last 17 years the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards have celebrated the exceptional contributions and humbling achievements of young people.
Our awards recognise young people in 11 categories, including enterprise, community, arts, sport and the environment.
One of the category winners will be crowned the overall Young Scot of 2023 and will follow in the footsteps of 2021 champion Fergus Crawley, 27, from Edinburgh, who raised more than £100,000 for mental health charities after a failed suicide attempt inspired him to help other young men talk about their feelings.
The winners will be announced at an exciting star-studded festival-style ceremony at Glasgow’s Platform - formerly known as The Arches - on June 8.
With street food, entertainment and a red carpet reception the new-look awards are set to be the hottest ticket in town.
Sunday Mail editor Lorna Hughes said: “It is a privilege for this newspaper to salute the achievements of our nation’s incredible young heroes.
“We look forward to honouring the inspirational young people who have played a part in helping and making a difference to their communities and changing lives in Scotland. And it looks like this year’s revamped festival-style awards are set to be the best yet.”
Young Scot Chief Executive Kirsten Urquhart said: “The Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards shine a light on the incredible achievements and inspirational stories of young people from across Scotland.
“If you know a young person who goes above and beyond for others or their local community, then please nominate them now.”
Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards 2023 - Categories
YOUNG HERO
Sponsored by XSite Braehead
This award is for an extraordinary young person or group who deserves special recognition for their bravery. Someone who has shown amazing courage, battled the odds or showed incredible perseverance.
COMMUNITY
This award celebrates the work accomplished by a young person or group that improves the lives of other people within a community.
UNSUNG HERO
Sponsored by Solace Scotland
Do you know a young Scot or group who goes the extra mile but never asks for any recognition or reward? This award is for someone who has overcome difficult personal circumstances, risen to a challenge or donated their own time to help others.
ENHANCING EDUCATION
This award is for a young person or group who have truly influenced education in their community, either by providing access and opportunities for others or by influencing change in education for their communities.
SPORT
Sponsored by sportscotland
Across Scotland, young people – through their efforts and determination – are achieving extraordinary things in grassroots sport. This award celebrates sporting stars of the future.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
This award is for young people who are involved in supporting and inspiring others to improve their physical and mental health, are looking to change policy or services or are involved in health charities.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Sponsored by Arnold Clark
This award recognises a young person or group who are working tirelessly to promote equality, diversity and inclusion or challenge prejudice and discrimination against age, race, gender, cultures and identity.
ARTS
This is your opportunity to celebrate a young person’s contribution to arts and culture in Scotland. Are they inspiring others to express themselves through arts or making a difference to their local community?
ENTERTAINMENT
There are so many ways to entertain – this award is not just for the famous but for the stars in our midst who entertain us every day.
ENVIRONMENT
Sponsored by SSE
Do you know a young person or a group of young people who give their time and effort to help protect the world for future generations? This award is for them.
ENTERPRISE
This award is for a young person or a business run by young people who have demonstrated entrepreneurial flair.
YOUNG SCOT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Young Scot
The overall winner chosen from the 11 category winners.
To nominate go to www.youngscotawards.com
Nominations close on April 10.
