Groups invited to apply for funding

Monklands voluntary sector organisations which involve young people in the “design, running and evaluation of projects” can apply for five or six-figure grants.

Young Start’s cash boost – which could potentially be from £ 10,000 up to £100,000 – are for activities that focus on changing the lives of children and young people aged between eight and 24.

The funding is available for projects that encourage children and young people to have better positive physical, mental and emotional wellbeing; help children and young people have better connections with others; support and inspire children and young people to access new skills and training opportunities which will get them a job or start a business.

Young Start access monies from dormant bank accounts and is run by the Big Lottery Fund.

Welcoming the return of the programme, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair Maureen McGinn said: ‘We are delighted to be re-opening the Young Start fund with a pot of dormant bank account funding that has the power to achieve great things for Scotland’s children and young people.

“The Young St a r t programme was paused last year, to allow us to review and reshape it, led by feedback from applicants, young people and the wider youth sector.

“We are particularly keen that young people are at the heart of project design and delivery and look forward to hearing from groups with a range of ideas to help young people reach their potential.”

Groups wanting to know more, or who require support with their application, can visit biglotteryfund. org. uk/ funding/ programmes/ young-start or contact 0300 123 71110.