Funding of between £3,000 and £10,000 to projects that are run for and by young people
Heritage, community and sports groups across Scotland can benefit from good cause cash, as part of a new £550,000 fund aimed at helping change the lives of young people.
The Year of Young People National Lottery Fund is now open, offering funding of between £3,000 and £10,000 to projects that are run for and by young people aged eight to 26 that improve their health and wellbeing.
The available pot of £550,000 is for projects that encourage positive mental health, inspire young people to lead active lives, involve them in the development, design, running and evaluation of the project and celebrate their achievements.
Ammy Nicholson, 21, is encouraging young people to get involved to spark their own moment of change.
Two years ago the young mum found herself unable to leave her house as she battled with body image and depression after the birth of her little girl. Now thanks to the help and support of the National Lottery funded MsMissMrs project in Glasgow her outlook is much brighter.
Ammy said, “I was really isolated, I couldn’t leave my house and everyday was a struggle just to keep going. Then I came to MsMissMrs and slowly they helped me believe in myself, they helped me learn how to self-care and step by step they worked with me to develop my confidence and manage my mental wellbeing.
“Now, maybe for the first time ever, I feel I have a future and that I can be the positive influence in my daughter’s life. It’s brilliant in the Year of Young People there is now National Lottery funding available to groups looking to support young people’s health and wellbeing.”
Sam Anderson, Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland Committee member and founder of Junction Health and Wellbeing Centre for Young People in Edinburgh, said: “The Year of Young People 2018 offers a fantastic opportunity for generations to come together and celebrate Scotland’s young people. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we are opening a new funding programme to mark the occasion and the achievements of young people, while improving their health and wellbeing.
“We want to fund heritage, community and sports projects that are run for and by young people. So whether it’s volunteering at a sports club, helping out older people in their community or developing the skills to increase their own confidence and self-esteem, we want to hear from groups with a range of project ideas that put young people centre stage.”
This new funding is aimed at voluntary or community organisations as well as youth groups, youth associations and other non profit organisations. Schools are also eligible to apply.
There are two application deadlines - 30 April and 18 June– and groups will get an answer on their application within eight weeks.
For more information and an online application form groups should visit here.
