Lottery boost for local groups working with young people

Five projects working with young people in Dundee and Fife have received a total of £50,000 in Lottery funding.

The awards are first to be made by the Year of Young People National Lottery Fund.

They are part of a wider package of grants, totalling £322,400, which will give young people aged eight to 26 the opportunity to take part in a range of activities aimed at improving wellbeing.

Eighteen and Under in Dundee will use an award of £10,000 to deliver a series of mental health workshops for 20 young people.

Its founder Laurie Matthew said: “We are delighted to receive this award, which will make a tremendous difference to young people with a mental health problem.

“We hope this will inspire young people towards recovery from mental health problems, raise awareness and create a lasting legacy of survival and recovery to inspire others.”

Meanwhile, in Fife, a project helping young disabled people to get involved in sport receives £10,000. Fairway Fife will match young people up with a buddy who will support them along the way and attend their chosen sport with them.

Chairperson Jaqui Dow said: “This will allow us to have a massive impact on the lives of those with learning disabilities and autism. Sadly, statistics show that people who have learning disabilities tend to have poorer health and diet at a younger age as compared to their peers.”

Receiving £9,700 was Front Lounge in Dundee, which supports parents and runs creative workshops for young people.

In Fife, Options in Life was also awarded £10,000 and Kirkcaldy YMCA, £9,800.