YPI success celebrated at Perth event

Charitable secondary school pupils from around Perth and Kinross have been commended for helping to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

Eleven schools in the area took part in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative which sees youngsters partner with charities and other organisations.

The citizenship programme is supported by funds of £3000 which is passed on to the charities, but only after students have carried out partner working which is designed to give them a better understanding of social issues.

It has inspired many youngsters to go on to further volunteering with their chosen charities. As part of the work more than 1000 pupils from across Scotland were in Perth on Wednesday for the YPI Scotland celebration.

The gathering at Perth Concert Hall heard from Dame Katherine Grainger, Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, and from some of the people they have supported.

Other highlights on the day include guest input from: Corinne Hutton, quadruple amputee and founder of charity Finding Your Feet; Ciara Harvie, Scottish mezzo-soprano singer and Calum MacKenzie Jones, a singer songwriter.

In Perth and Kinross the 11 schools which took part were the Community School of Auchterarer which supported SANDS (Tayside); Blairgowrie High School which backed The Guide Dogs for The Blind Association; Breadalbane Academy which worked with Canine Concern Scotland Trust (Therapet); Crieff High School and Starter Packs Perth; Glenalmond College and RDA Strathearn; Kinross High School and SHIP; Perth Academy and Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) Scotland; Perth Grammar School with Perth and Kinross Food Bank; Perth High School and Perth Autism Support; Pitlochry High School with Mindspace Limited and St John’s Academy partnered with Support Help and Integration in Perthshire (SHIP).