Youth partnership scores with community awards payout

The Alyth Youth Partnership is celebrating a major cash boost.

The charity is the latest to receive a windfall as part of the Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect initiative.

The group scored £7,500 after earning the second most member votes behind Inverness charity Highland Cycle Ability Centre in Scotmid’s north region, encompassing Inverness, Dundee, Aberdeen and Perth.

The prize has been funded through the sale of 5p carrier bags.

Alyth Youth Partnership provides clubs and activities for local young people aged 9-25 in Alyth and the surrounding area.

The charity’s aim is to promote social inclusion, address anti-social behaviour and encourage young people to take pride in their local community.

Funding from the £7,500 Community Connect award will now be used to fund an arts project to explore “What Makes Alyth” through the use of music, photography, spoken word, dance and art.

Manager George Annan said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be awarded £7,500 funding from Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative. It provides us with a great opportunity to engage with even more young people in our local area through exciting projects.”

He said: “We want young people to take pride in Alyth and we will use the funding to showcase local talent that will leave a lasting impression through a growing arts festival.

“One of the pieces of art we want to create is a bronze statue that will forever be in Alyth – standing the test of time and showing the positive contribution that Alyth Youth Partnership can make.

“This funding gives us the freedom to be really creative for the next year and we’re extremely thankful to all the Scotmid members who voted for us.”

Last year, more than 1,000 community groups applied and were awarded a grant of up to £500. These projects range from primary schools’ breakfast clubs to communal garden renovations.