Charity appeals for school uniforms Lotto cash boost for youth foundation

£7500 for group

Parents and carers of schoolaged children are being encouraged to donate school uniforms they no longer need to their nearest Barnardo’s Scotland’s shops.

Back-to-school costs can be a daunting prospect for some families, so grabbing a bargain school uniform at a fraction of mainstream store costs could help.

Area business retail manager, Karen McIntyre, said: “As excited as the end of school can be for our children, it can mark the start of a budgetary worry for some parents and carers. What better way to lessen that burden for some – and keep other homes clutter- free – than to donate uniforms for local schools to our stores. Our team will be delighted to help find them new homes all while raising funds for the many services we provide for vulnerable children and young people in the area.” The charity relies on the income generated from their shops to help support their work. All money raised in store goes towards community-based services with children, young people and families in the area. See www. barnardos. org.uk/shops.

West Lothian Youth Foundation has been awarded a £ 7500 grant from the Scottish Children’s Lottery.

The charity works with young people in West Lothian to promote social, educational and health development through sport, with projects delivered to some of the most disadvantaged areas in West Lothian.

Projects are delivered through five key partners - Livingston Football Club, West Lothian Council, West Lothian Leisure, West Lothian College and the Scottish Football Association.

The funding from the Scottish Children’s Lottery will support the charity’s unique Primary School Futsal Initiative, which is delivered in partnership with the Scottish FA and West Lothian Council Education Department to help improve children’s health and wellbeing.

Scott Millar, general manager of West Lothian Youth Foundation, said: “West Lothian Youth Foundation is thrilled by the success of the Primary School Futsal Initiative and delighted that through the support of the Scottish Children’s Lottery, the programme can continue to reach all areas of West Lothian. The initiative not only provides a great opportunity for children to take part in a new sport, but also encourages a healthier lifestyle and enhances the educational pathway of the students involved.”

Dorothy Fenwick is trustee of Chance to Study which operates as a society lottery under the Scottish Children’s Lottery. Chance to Study supports projects which aim to improve children’s education through their school years and into young adulthood, and ensure that all young people in Scotland have the opportunity to learn, develop and fulfil their potential. She said: “I am delighted that this grant will support the valuable work of West Lothian Youth Foundation.”