£3 million boost helps young Scots thrive through community projects

Young Start, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund, invests dormant bank account funding in projects that support young people aged eight to 24 to improve their wellbeing, develop new skills, and champion their voices in their communities.

Glasgow-based self-defence group Wing Tsjun Scotland receive an award of £34,360 to run their youth group offering a range of free activities including tabletop games, outdoor exercise sessions, trips, and anti-violence workshops — benefiting over 300 young people in the Eastwood area.

Sixteen-year old Harris Ahmed from Glasgow Southside regularly attends the group. He said, “I couldn’t wait for the youth club to start. I enjoy coming along and trying different things. I made new friends and we understand and encourage each other. When I’m stressed with exams I come here and I feel better, then I can go back to studying with more confidence.”

Project Lead, Oana Stan, said: “Young Start funding does what it says on the tin. It gives our young people a good start to have their own safe space and opportunity to have their voice heard. This initiative of a new youth club in an area where there aren’t any such facilities came entirely from the young people.”

“They formed a panel and made a list of things they want to do and achieve. At the top they wrote ‘to bring as many smiles on people’s faces as possible’. The name they gave to the group - SUSSed, stands for Stop Underage Stereotyping. We are in awe and excited to see the difference they will make for the community and their peers.”

Another youth club based in Inverness, Àban Outdoor receives an award of £73,634 to empower young people through adventurous outdoor activities and volunteering opportunities. The clubs run overnight expeditions, with activities such as hillwalking, climbing and camping. On top of this the young people can volunteer in the charity’s outdoor equipment shop, gaining valuable retail, IT, and customer service skills to help them in future employment.

Fifteen year old Dominic, said: “Àban gets me outdoors and takes off a lot of the social pressures of being constantly online. The group has helped me a lot as a person. I go outside a lot more since starting their youth activities and I've had so many opportunities to grow.”

Speaking about the impact of this latest funding boost Johannes Petersen, Chief Executive of Àban Outdoor said:

"Our mountaineering club and volunteering opportunities aim to engage young people throughout their teenage years. As a relatively young charity, the impact of the Young Start funding is really significant for us. This funding allows us to plan ahead with our youth reps and club members, to ensure we continue making a difference."

Announcing the latest round of Young Start funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said:

“Organisations like Wing Tsjun Scotland and Àban Outdoors empower young people to play an active leadership role in their local and wider community. Equipping them with the skills, network and confidence they need to unlock their full potential.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to support them on this journey through this latest round of Young Start funding, that will improve the lives of young people across Scotland, through 40 inspiring projects.”

Young Start helps young people aged eight to 24 become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential. Funding of up to £100,000 is available for youth led projects.

Groups can apply by:

• emailing advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
• calling 0300 123 7110

Find out more at about Young Start.