Tag: youth organisations

A bright new future for thousands of young Scots thanks to Young Start funding

Ten youth led projects share over £600,000 

Today (Wednesday 15th December), projects paving the way for young people in Scotland to gain new skills will be sharing in £600,000 of Young Start funding. 

The additional funding comes as a lifeline to many young Scots, whose services and opportunities for learning and gaining experience have been negatively affected by the pandemic. 

Edinburgh Young Carers Project has been awarded over £99,000. The project works with young carers aged 16-25 years who are no longer at school and who are providing unpaid caring support to someone.

Through the creation of a Transition Plan, created with the Young Adult Carer (YAC), the project will identify the carers strengths and look at things they need support with.

Association for Black Engineers (UK) Limited has been awarded £49,300 for its NextGen Coding Club, based in Aberdeen. 

The club focuses on levelling out the inequalities for opportunities for young people from a mixed ethnic background, specifically around opportunities within engineering career paths. 

Cyril Ishabiyi from the project said:  “The underrepresentation of minorities in engineering and technology is well documented.

“Studies from EngineeringUK show that despite the fact that 31.8% of UK domiciled undergraduate qualifiers are from BME backgrounds, only 7.8% of professionals are in the engineering sector.   

“The NextGen Coding Club is a youth-led initiative that exists to address this gap by creating an environment in which young people develop their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and where they develop skills of coding, teamwork, creativity and leadership, skills that will equip them to be innovators of the future.   

“Now we will be able to reach out to more people from disadvantaged communities and provide them with the necessary equipment to consolidate their learning, and ensure they experience the fun and practicality of not only engineering, but technology as a whole.

“Furthermore, leadership courses will be given to the participants, to ensure their soft skills are also second to none.” 

 

Young people on the remote island of Tiree will benefit from £46,814 of funding for the Tiree Community Development Trust. With a population of only 800 people, this funding will benefit almost all the young people on the island in some way.   

The group will use the funding to support a broad range of wellbeing and volunteering opportunities, helping young people to flourish.  

Willie MacKinnon, Youth Activities Coordinator said: “Living in such a remote setting can be incredibly difficult for some young people.

“The funding means we can keep delivering the activities which really have become paramount to the children and young adults in our community to have a well-rounded experience of growing up. 

“Some of the young people who benefit from our services go on to become volunteers, passing on what they’ve learned to the younger kids, and in turn, gaining leadership experience. We’re so proud to see so many of the service users go on to study youth work or teaching on the mainland.  

“The pandemic has been hard for everyone, but being part of a very small island community, it’s been so easy to see how people can become isolated. The various activities we run – from football and hockey to a chess club and a sci-fi group – really have been a lifeline to many of the young people taking part.” 

Near Inverness, The Cantraybridge Café and Enterprise Shop receives £60,000 which will be used to re-open their onsite café, located within the grounds of the specialist further education college.  

Hazel Clark, CEO of Cantraybridge, said: “Our café was closed a few years ago and has been greatly missed by all at Cantraybridge and the locals who visited regularly.  

“The funding will enable us to re-open our café and provide that wonderful link between the young people who attend and the local community. We have many groups in our community who enjoy visiting Cantraybridge, the cycling club, Church groups and local schools to name a few.  

“Previously, we found that our young people gain so much more than just skills in cooking, baking and customer care. They grow in confidence and the difference in their self-esteem is quite remarkable.

“We have found that our young people take such a pride in their achievements and the joy they experience when a customer compliments them is priceless.”   

Announcing today’s awards, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “Young people across the country have faced an enormously difficult period over the last 20 months. We’re thrilled to have been able to commit another £600,000 to projects across the country which are dedicated to improving the future of young Scots.    

“We are always keen to support projects which put Scotland’s young people at the heart of the development and running of services. If your group has an idea how you would make this happen, then we’d love to hear from you.”   

Groups wanting to know more about Young Start, and how it can support them should visit https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/youngstart or contact 0141 846 0447.   

Young people enjoy glimpse of greener travel future

Members of Britain’s only youth community rail partnership were given a taste of revolutionary greener travel as they rode a hydrogen-fuelled train to and from Glasgow at COP26.

Young people involved with the 6VT Community Rail Partnership, based in Edinburgh, joined Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, aboard HydroFLEX, created by rail leasing firm Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham.

As Britain’s first mainline-approved hydrogen-train, HydroFLEX has been on display during the climate summit as part of the UK government’s plans to decarbonise rail travel by 2050.

While on board, 6VT members enjoyed a demonstration as to how the hydrogen technology works and took part in discussions around the importance of developing sustainable travel to combat the climate emergency.

They also had the opportunity to experience a train-driving simulator at the Rail Delivery Group’s green and sustainable-themed stand at Glasgow Central Station.

Last month, the partnership, who are members of Community Rail Network and part of the growing community rail movement across Britain, marked the first-ever ‘Community Rail Week’ by taking a journey from Edinburgh to Glasgow. During their trip, members pledged to ‘Go Green by Train,’ writing letters to themselves containing personal changes they could make to become more environmentally friendly.

6VT member Daisy Fiennes said: “Going on the HydroFLEX train was a great experience.

“It’s incredible how like an ordinary train it is, yet so different. It’s amazing how people are working so hard to solve the climate crisis, and it’s so important that we do solve it, because there isn’t a planet B.”

Fiona Horne, operations manager at the 6VT Youth Café, where the community rail partnership is based, added: “6VT Youth CRP were delighted and privileged to be invited to experience a journey on the groundbreaking HydroFLEX train.

“Our young people got to hear and see first-hand how the train works. As passengers of the future, their hope is that this method of green travel will be part of the way forward.”

Transport has a huge role to play if the UK is to reach its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 100% of 1990 levels, or ‘net zero’, by 2050. It is now the largest emitting sector in the UK, making up 27% of domestic emissions in 2019.

Rail is already acknowledged as one of the greenest ways to travel, producing just 1% of transport emissions, and is getting greener all the time.

The £8million HydroFLEX project allows new hydrogen fuel systems to be installed on upcycled trains, providing a clean and renewable energy source. The train, which also welcomed Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson during COP26, is a tri-mode that can also run on electricity and battery power, all sources identified as having a role to play in decarbonising rail traction.

Alongside her Community Rail Network role, Ms Townsend was at COP26 as the chair of the Sustainable Transport Alliance, a group that brings together the UK’s leading sustainable transport organisations.

The alliance’s ‘People make transport: communities enabling greener travel’ event highlighted the importance of drawing on community actions and voices, including those of young people, to place walking and cycling, public, community, and shared transport at the heart of climate ambitions.

She said: “It was fantastic to join members of 6VT aboard HydroFLEX, and to be able to talk to them about sustainable transport and the vital importance of green travel at a local and global level.

“COP26 has underlined how we must put people, communities, and justice at the forefront in tackling the climate crisis, and this very much applies to transport.

“Rail, combined with buses, walking, cycling, and shared mobility, provides a huge part of the solution: shifting as many journeys as we can onto these modes, and reducing private car use, can help us forge a more sustainable, healthy, inclusive future, which is particularly important for our younger generations.”

Youth Project unveils virtual Summer Programme

Pilton Youth & Children’s Project have unveiled their plans for a Summer Programme with a difference this year.

For the first time ever, PYCP activities won’t be happening at The Greenhouse in West Pilton – but will instead be taking place ONLINE ONLY because of ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

Like youth organisations all over the country PYCP have had to adapt to these unique circumstances but despite huge challenges they have managed to put together a programme that’s  packed with fun activities despite being drastically different to those of recent years.

Activities commence week commencing 29 June. Full programme below:

PYCP summer-programme

 

Lottery boost for local youth group

Pilton Youth & Children’s Project has received an award of £75,285 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

PYCP is one of twelve Scottish projects – and the only one in Edinburgh – to receive a share of £800,000 in dormant bank account money.

The local youth group, based at The Greenhouse in West Pilton, will use the Young Start funding over three years to run their Creative Mentoring Programme to help young people aged 15-20 years move away from participating in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

PYCP’s Lesley Ross said: “We are delighted to receive this award.

“The project will recruit 10 young people each year for a 6 month programme (two intakes), which includes peer mentoring, education, training, weekly sessions, 3 day residential course and an emphasis on improved mental health and well-being.

“We are looking forward to building on the experience and knowledge we already have built up, over a number of years when engaging with this target group of young people. The programme is due to start in September 2020.”

An employability project giving disabled young Scots newfound confidence, skills and qualifications is also celebrating today. 

Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do Dumfries project receive a two-year grant of £55,904. The funding will support young volunteers like 21-year-old Alastair, from Gretna, to learn new skills and achieve accredited qualifications that will boost their chances of future employment.

Alastair said: “I started coming along to the Can Do conservation project because I wanted to improve my knowledge of the outdoors, gain a certificate and better my CV. Before the project I was struggling to find work. I had difficulty socialising as I was feeling nervous and unsure all the time.

“Can Do helped me to feel more capable and boosted my confidence. It also helped build my knowledge and skills, particularly in sawing and working with wood. Now, I will get a new job or start more training.”

During the current lockdown period, Leonard Cheshire is delivering its Can Do Dumfries project through digital platforms to keep young people engaged and focused on developing their personal skills.

Welcoming today’s award, Stuart Robertson, Director for Leonard Cheshire in Scotland, said: “We are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work this way.

“Now, thanks to this Young Start award, we will be able to continue empowering young people with additional support needs in Dumfries and Galloway to give back to the community.”

Young Start awards dormant bank and building society cash to youth-led projects across Scotland and is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Announcing the funding, National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Director, Neil Ritch, said: “Young Start aims to help children and young people across Scotland realise their potential while also building invaluable skills and confidence for the future.

“By placing young people at the heart of project design, delivery and evaluation, these projects will empower young people to achieve whatever they set their mind to.”

Groups wanting to know more about Young Start, and how it can support them during these unprecedented times, should visit:

 https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/young-start

or contact 0141 846 0447.

Girlguiding Scotland launches Guiding at Hame challenge

To support young people and their parents while at home, Girlguiding Scotland, the leading charity for girls and young women, has launched the ‘Guiding at Hame’ challenge – a weekly online challenge with activities for children and adults alike to get stuck into.

With face to face meetings no longer taking place, Girlguiding Scotland is delivering its unique programme in new and innovative ways. They issued a challenge on 1 May, with activities suitable for anyone from age 5 and up. New activities are released every Friday, and the whole challenge reflects the six themes of Girlguiding’s programme: Know Myself, Express Myself, Be Well, Have Adventures, Take Action and Skills For My Future. In true guiding style, anyone who takes part in the challenge can earn the ‘Guiding at Hame’ badge.

The challenge is open to everyone – you don’t need to be a member – just download the activities from Girlguiding Scotland’s website to take part. This is a great way to give guiding a go and get a taster of what’s on offer.

Scottish Chief Commissioner, Moira McKenna, said: “Girlguiding Scotland is a resilient community and we want to support as many children and young people across Scotland right now with our new Guiding at Hame challenge.

“Our programme is all about empowering girls and young women to try new things, care for those in their communities and have fun outside of school. None of this could happen without our amazing volunteers and we want to say a big thanks to them for keeping guiding going during this challenging time.

“It’s everyday folk who are working hard to make sure that families are supported and we hope that those taking part in the activities will be inspired to join our guiding community in the future.”

The challenge can be found on Girlguiding Scotland’s website in the new ‘Guiding at Hame’ hub with advice on how to move to virtual guiding meetings and blogs on wellbeing and resilience resources for children and young people.

Girlguiding Scotland is encouraging anyone who takes part in the challenge to tag them on social media @GirlguidingScot.

The activities can also be done with Girlguiding units. Already, many Girlguiding Scotland volunteers have been delivering virtual guiding with girls, running their weekly meetings using technology like Zoom and Whatsapp.

Girlguiding is open to all girls aged 5 to 18, giving them the opportunity to explore new interests and build their confidence.

For more information visit www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk.

Wheely good! Youth projects celebrate Young Start funding

Fifteen fantastic youth led projects are today celebrating their share of over £700,000 in dormant bank account monies from the Young Start Fund. Amongst them are a bike lending library and an off-road motorcycling project, both aiming to build the confidence and employability skills of young people. (See below for full list of awards).

Edinburgh-based Dunedin Canmore will receive £60,000 for a youth programme. This group will provide a range of services and activities for young people aged 12-18 in the Gorgie and Dalry areas. Services on offer will include Health Respect drop-ins, one-to-one support sessions and outdoor learning activities. The project will work with around 390 young people and involve 11 volunteers.

Thanks to a grant of £30,000, The Knightsridge Adventure Project, in Livingston, will be able to take ‘The Vennie Bike Lending Library’ to the next level. Young volunteers will take ownership of the project and will be trained to manage the bike lending library, maintain bikes, and lead cycle rides across the community.

Welcoming the funding is young volunteer Scott Forbes, 16, (below) who joined the project seven years ago. He said: “I started coming along to The Vennie when I moved to the area – I didn’t know anyone so it really helped me make friends and provided a place to go after school when my parents were working.

“Volunteering has boosted my confidence and taught me how to engage with, and run activities for my peers, which I think will be useful for future employment. This place is so important for many of the young kids who can’t afford a bike of their own and who need somewhere to go after school.

“With this money we’ll be able to refurbish more bikes and run more cycle led rides across the community, which is what young people have been asking for. My hope is that these cycle trips inspire them as much as it’s inspired me in terms of ideas for the future.”

Thomas Heron (above), project lead at The Vennie Bike Project, said: “We are over the moon to have received this funding. Young people have demanded and driven this project and their opinions and ideas have led to the creation of the bike lending library, so I feel this epitomises what Young Start is all about.

“Now we can employ someone to co-ordinate the cycle led routes, maintenance workshops and help the project grow. Seeing the young people, many of whom can’t afford bikes, getting out and experiencing fresh air is wonderful and we can’t wait to see where the project goes.”

Meanwhile, young people at risk of offending will get their lives back on track as Fife based KORMC receives a Young Start grant of £42,803. The funding will be used to combine off-road motorcycle coaching with teaching young people valuable life skills.

David Paton, KORMC Programme Manager, said, “Wow, we are absolutely delighted to hear about the award from the Young Start Fund. It gives us an opportunity to continue the good work we have started. Also, to start new work on a motorcycle mechanics and maintenance programme. 

The feedback from parents, referrers and young people has been amazing, this is letting us know, that we are On the Right Track. With this new financial support, we will continue to develop young people in a positive way, whilst also making our communities safer.”

Announcing today’s funding totalling, £747,452, Maureen McGinn, National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Chair, said, “Young Start aims to help children and young people across Scotland realise their potential while also building invaluable skills and confidence for the future.

“These brilliant groups reflect that aim by placing young people at their heart of project design, delivery and evaluation. It’s an absolute delight to announce this funding.”

Young Start Awards July 2019

 

New eco badge for Scotland’s Cub Scouts

Cub Scouts in Scotland are being encouraged to go eco as part of a newly revised badge to teach children the importance of getting involved in environmental conservation in their daily lives. Continue reading New eco badge for Scotland’s Cub Scouts

Choral Classics performance will support PYCP

Thanks to Jubilo for supporting PYCP and inviting us along to help raise money and providing refreshments to the Choral Classics These Things Shall Be at St Cuthbert’s Church on Lothian Road this Saturday 4th May (writes Pilton Youth & Children’s Project’s Debbie McMillan).

Jubilo Choir have supported us throughout the year with their events and have raised over £2000 for our children and young people at Pilton Youth & Children’s Project.

Thank you to Muriel for meeting us at St Cuthberts and helping us plan our trip to the church; also a big thank you to all the team at St Cuthberts for making room for all our refreshments on the night.

We hope you have a fantastic evening and I wish I could have been there on the night.

Debbie