Fund benefits one million

A fund which has so far helped more than one million children, young people, families and communities is to be extended for another year.

Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Maree Todd has announced organisations currently supported through the core Children, Young People and Families Early Intervention and Adult Learning and Empowering Communities Fund will have their funding extended into 2019-20.

The Scottish Government has invested £29 million since the fund started in April 2016.

On a visit to Prince’s Trust Scotland, which has benefitted from £300,000 to-date, the Minister said:

“In Scotland’s Year of Young People, it’s more important than ever that we encourage and empower the next generation to achieve their full potential. This fund has already supported thousands of young people across Scotland to get a better start in life and build skills.

“The Princes Trust is a great example of the type of organisation which has benefited from the fund and is using it to help over 10,000 of our young people be successful, confident and responsible individuals.”

Chair of the board, and former National Head in Scotland of BBC Children in Need, Fraser Falconer said:

“This extension to the fund demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to the voluntary sector and recognition of the importance of continued funding.  It will enable over a hundred third sector organisations to continue their work to give children the best start in life, support vulnerable families and build the skills and confidence of young people and adults experiencing disadvantage.”

Finlay Laverty, Senior Head of Partnerships at Prince’s Trust Scotland said:

“Prince’s Trust Scotland welcomes and hugely values this important funding from Scottish Government.  During Scotland’s Year of Young People this investment provides crucial core funding to support Scotland’s young people to fulfil their potential, live, learn and earn.”