Money goes to youth groups
Projects supporting young Scots with their physical and mental health and are today sharing in almost £1 million of dormant bank account funding.
The cash from the Young Start fund goes to 12 groups across the country including West of Scotland based Able2Sail which offers sailing voyages and qualifications for young people of all abilities and Feeling Strong, a youth mental health charity giving a voice to young people in Dundee.
Young Start, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund, awards dormant bank account funding to projects that help young people reach their full potential.
Originally set up in 2006 for people and families affected by disability, Able2Sail runs a Youth Forum where young people develop their sailing and team working skills while working together towards a sailing qualification.
The group receives an award of £51,448 to enable members of its youth forum to take part in yacht, dinghy and powerboating sessions when restrictions allow.
Welcoming the news, Gordon Tatnell, chair of Able2Sail, said: “This Young Start award is wonderful news. It means we can continue our Youth Forum project over the next three years. Our young people are absolutely delighted and cannot wait to get back on the water and into training.”
With an award of £99,911, Feeling Strong will deliver a recovery-focused mental health service for young people in Dundee. The service will include peer mentoring, advice and support with employment and training opportunities and access to therapeutic activities such as sports and arts sessions.
Brook Marshall, CEO of Feeling Strong, said: "We're so excited to be running our new range of projects, enabled by the Young Start fund, for the benefit of some of Dundee's most vulnerable young people. These projects will work with young people with mental health and wellbeing challenges to support their recovery journeys and give them the holistic, wraparound support that's needed to make sure they're able to move forward in a positive and meaningful way."
The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland chair, Kate Still, said: “This funding will give a huge boost to hundreds of young people across Scotland who now more than ever need a focus and something to look forward to when restrictions allow.
"Whether it’s a project supporting young people with their mental health or a sports activity leading to a recognised qualification, each one will provide a fantastic opportunity for young Scots to build key skills and confidence for the future.
“We are always keen to support projects which put young people front and centre in the development and running of services. If your group has an idea for funding, then we’d love to hear from you.”
