Aberdeen charity founder recognised by RGU

Touch of Love has reached over 450 young people through sports, cultural activities, and creative programmes that offer far more than just something to do; they build identity, pride, and meaningful relationships.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Jane is a successful entrepreneur who has taken it upon herself to improve the lives of young people and their families in Aberdeen.

“Her hard work makes a positive difference, and I’m sure her time at RGU has helped her become an inspirational leader both with Touch of Love and her own business. Jane’s time at RGU will continue to have a bearing on life as she continues to provide a guiding hand to communities around Aberdeen by providing the kind of support they require.”

Jane’s dedication to Touch of Love was recently recognised on a national stage when she was named the winner of the Inspirational Leader Award at the 2025 National Youth Work Awards. Adding to this remarkable success, Touch of Love was honoured as Charity of the Year at the 2025 SCVO Scottish Charity Awards, where it also received the coveted People’s Choice Award, a testament to the widespread impact and support of its work.

Her leadership doesn’t stop with younger generations. Her food bank initiative has distributed over 40,000 parcels to more than 35,000 people, helping families facing real hardship. Alongside this, she’s run educational seminars for over 350 parents on issues such as autism awareness, domestic violence, and financial literacy.

Across Aberdeen, Touch of Love have supported over 4,000 minority ethnic households – around 15,000 individuals - through integration, trauma recovery, and mental wellbeing.

In her employability work, Jane has helped over 60 individuals develop job skills and enter the workforce, providing practical routes forward for people often excluded from opportunities.

Jane is also a vocal advocate for cultural sensitivity within child protection and public services. Her work has shaped more inclusive practices and given a platform to young New Scots to tell their stories and pursue their ambitions.

She is also Managing Director of Streetfood Packaging Limited, which offers biodegradable containers for food.

Jane was recognised with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) award at P&J Live, Aberdeen, on Thursday 03 July.