Project to reach out for youth

Ayrshire is to pilot a new business programme for young entrepreneurs.

The project, run by Scottish Business in the Community ( SBC), the Prince’s Responsible Business Network in Scotland, is aiming to connect with schools and early years centres.

And Ayrshire is one of the pilot regions taking up the challenge of engaging with children as young as three.

The programme is free for businesses and provides children with an insight into the world of work at the start of their educational journey.

Following training and connection support from SBC, businesses will work with their local school to agree a programme which matches their needs.

The programme delivery could include delivery of workshops; becoming reading partners; helping with classroom projects; hosting pupil visits to the business; helping parents with budgeting advice or running clothing and book drives to support the school.

Dr Cynthia Fry, programme co- ordinator, said: “At SBC, we believe that businesses across Scotland have a role to play in helping to help break the cycle of child poverty.

“By the age of five, children living in poverty lag between 10- 14 months behind their more affluent peers in readiness and attainment, and they are more likely to suffer chronic illness and mental health problems.

“This has clear implications for the future wellbeing of our workforce.

“Local businesses have the capacity to create a spark in a young person that motivates them to improve their life chances, and SBC are delivering that ambition across Scotland.“