Fund supports opportunities for marginalised young people
Inspiring Scotland has published a mid-point impact report of its 10-year youth employment fund.
The Our Future Now (OFN) fund focuses on supporting around 40,000 young people in Scotland that struggle to succeed post-school and are unfairly disadvantaged by circumstances.
John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, was joined by minister for higher and further education Graeme Dey to launch the report during a visit to the charity Move On, which has been supported by the programme.
In its first five years the fund has supported almost 25,000 young people aged 14-25 with over 62% successfully securing an employability outcome of work, education, training, or volunteering.
Swinney said: “This fund has been a great success over the past five years. To have helped almost 25,000 young people develop their skills and find career opportunities is a real achievement. I want everyone in Scotland, whatever their circumstances, to look to the future with a sense of optimism.
“Eradicating child poverty and growing the economy are two of my main priorities, so I am pleased the Scottish Government is contributing £1.7 million this year to allow 4,500 young people to be supported by Our Future Now.
“We know that funding will also result in further generous contributions from private partners, providing real value for public money. That combined support means Inspiring Scotland can help more young people across the country, like those I had the opportunity to meet on my visit to Move On.”
Celia Tennant, chief executive of Inspiring Scotland said: “The past five years have been challenging for everyone, but young people supported through OFN have been some of the worst affected. Our work is focused on ensuring these young people are given the support and opportunities required to be successful.
“The long-term investment model we have developed is needed more than ever. It offers stability to charities which enables them to work efficiently and effectively as possible.
“Despite the challenges that are currently facing young people, we know that they want the opportunities to make positive changes and be successful. The work of Our Future Now is focused on investing in charities who can help make this a reality and we are committed to continuing this work for the next five years.”
