BANK OF SCOTLAND FUNDING SECURES PYCP’s FUTURE
We are delighted to share that we have received a five year unrestricted grant totalling £250,000 through Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Empower programme!
This kind of support helps us strengthen our work and grow our impact over the long term. Thank you!
Debbi McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer of the Spartans Community Foundation, gave evidence in the Parliament yesterday, where she spoke extensively to the Education, Children and Young People’s Committee about the Foundation’s work in Pilton and the wider community.
During the evidence session Ms McCulloch said that North Edinburgh has fantastic networks and collaboration, referring to R2 and that network’s ability to signpost and help individuals and directly help individuals who might otherwise be missed:
Ms McCulloch said that 94% of young people surveyed by the Spartans said that they felt like they had a trusted adult at the foundation.
She says the Foundation’s work has increased employment and volunteering opportunities and has provided families with a place where they can come and be listened to in a dignified way:
Ms McCulloch also gave examples of the impact of the Foundation’s work, referring to Naomi Hume, who is now the Assistant Operations Manager, who started off attending the Foundation’s Street Football offering:
FETLOR Youth Club hosted the first FetLor Futures awards ceremony this week celebrating the outstanding achievements of its young members.
At the special event at the charity’s North Edinburgh club house, 23 young people received awards for demonstrating exceptional dedication and commitment across a range of programmes.
The awards were presented by Major General Robin Lindsay CBE, General Officer Scotland, who joined the celebrations to recognise the hard work and achievements of FetLor’s young people.
The young people received completion awards for the club’s Climbing Programme and Outward Bound, while others were recognised with Youth Achievement Awards for their commitment in supporting others. In a significant milestone for the club, two members achieved their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
The awards ceremony marked an important moment in FetLor Youth Club’s 102-year history as it continues in its mission to support young people in Scotland’s capital.
Based in north Edinburgh, FetLor Youth Club is Scotland’s oldest youth club and welcomes around 330 young people each week.
The club provides opportunities and support to help members develop skills that will have a lasting impact as they continue their life’s journey. Since launching the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme, the club has enrolled 14 young people in Bronze and Silver Awards, with three candidates working towards their Gold Awards.
Dr Richie Adams, FetLor’s Chief Executive, said: “We are incredibly proud of our members’ achievements over the last year.
“This awards ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their dedication and the positive impact these programmes have had on our members personal development.
“We can only deliver our services thanks to all those who generously fund our charity. Their support helps our young people achieve their potential.”
Major General Robin Lindsay, a supporter of FetLor for a number of years, added; ”These awards are the outcome. The real benefit is taking part, building resilience and developing confidence.
“All the young people and their families should feel very proud.”
Only 1 week left to nominate for the #YLSAwards 2026!
Know someone making a real impact? This is your chance to celebrate them!
Nominate an individual or group who inspires change and deserves recognition 
Deadline: Friday 30th Jan 2026
Aaaaaaand we’re back!
All our clubs and groups are back from next Monday!
We’re so excited to get going again and see all of our amazing young people, 2026 is going to be GREAT!
If you’re new and want to join in on the PY fun or still haven’t got one done yet 
make sure you have a completed consent form which can be found through the link below 
New youth group starting at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre next Wednesday (14th January) between 4pm – 5pm.
This is open to any young people aged 8 – 12 who are struggling with socialising or confidence, whether that be due to learning disabilities, mental health or other factors.
If you are interested please contact Roz on 07483420441 / roz.leahy@enable.org.uk
This new service is being run by Enable Communities
@enable youth
@Roz enable
“Alongside schools, youth work improves the wellbeing, readiness to learn and educational outcomes of children and young people.” PEF National Guidance, Scottish Government
Next week, YouthLink Scotland’s #EducationNeedsYouthWork campaign will spotlight the role of youth work in:
Please join the campaign by posting examples and evidence from your local practice that demonstrate the impact that youth work can have in building skills, improving young people’s experiences and outcomes in education.
Use the #EducationNeedsYouthWork hashtag and tag YouthLink Scotland and we will share more widely across our social media channels.
Thank you!
SNEAK PEEK ALERT!
It’s still a couple weeks away, but have a look at our special Bonfire week programme!
Some clubs are the same, but others have changed so take note!
We would like to thank the Wooden Spoon Charity for their very generous funding towards the upgrade of our kitchen at Pilton Retreat in Ratho (writes LESLEY ROSS).
The kitchen has been well used over the years and was dated and in need of repair. This funding has transformed the kitchen.
It was officially opened on Friday by Roger Baird, former Scotland International rugby player.
What a great afternoon it was meeting members of the Wooden Spoon, talking about the work of MYDG and all the groups that visit and stay at Pilton Retreat.
It was a chance to showcase the facility and talk about the importance of the centre for children, young people and their families in particular those from the North Edinburgh area.
We spoke about the history of Pilton Retreat and we hope this afternoon has raised the profile of the centre – we have grown our contacts and partnership opportunities and the chance of more funding in the future from a range of sources.
What a great afternoon it was !!!.
Lesley Ross (Manager Pilton Retreat)
Have a good look at our new programme below! We are so ready to welcome everyone back NEXT WEEK!
Please look carefully as some of our age groups have changed and we want you to come along to the right one! 
Children/Young people MUST have a new completed consent form to come along, any done before or during the summer holidays don’t count! Please follow this link to fill them in
