New project to ‘empower’ city’s youth

Aberdeen children’s charity Denis Law Legacy Trust has launched a new programme to promote the development of the city’s young people.

The Denis Law Academy has been established to support youngsters through personal, professional and wellbeing development to help shape their future aspirations.

Rhys Jones, community co-ordinator at the Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: “Denis Law’s Academy has been co-designed with young people, for young people.

“Through this programme, we want to support young people to be the best they can be by creating an environment where we reduce barriers to success and give them control of their development.

“Our ambition is to empower young people, raise aspiration and give them the space to exceed their own expectations.”

Supported by the Wood Foundation and run in partnership with Robert Gordon University, the initiative has seen several successful early participants who have engaged in 1:1 support and personal development plans.

Alison Maclachlan, UK director at the Wood Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Denis Law’s Academy.

“The relationships and trust that the team establish and nurture with young people are incredibly powerful, so it makes sense for those trusted adults to support participants with their next steps towards positive futures.

“We are excited to learn from the pilot and understand how we can better empower young people to realise their potential and ambitions.”

Long-time volunteer with the trust, Kelsey Seivwright, was among the first participants in the new project.

She explained that her time with the Denis Law Academy has helped boost her confidence and communication skills.

“I am now able to speak to new people and feel more confident in myself whilst doing this, thanks to the programme,” said Kelsey.

The Denis Law Academy is the latest of the trust’s programmes, joining their successful Streetsport and Club 10 schemes, that set out to support young people.

They are inspired by Aberdeen-born Manchester United and Scotland legend Denis Law, who has championed countless good causes in his home city.

ACADEMY LAUNCH: From left, Lynn Kilbride, Mark Williams, Rhys Jones, Lord Provost David Cameron, Kelsey Seivwright, Alison Maclachlan and Scott McGinigal.