This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Mentoring and befriending
27/06/2006
Young Scots and mentors are flocking to Edinburgh today to celebrate the £2.5 million project that's helped hundreds turn their lives around.
Today's Mentoring and Befriending conference marks two years of Executive-backed progress through the Laidlaw Youth Project. The partnership has helped struggling youngsters from across Scotland, pairing many with a befriender or mentor.
Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay also today announced further millions for work with Scotland's disadvantaged children and young people.
Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown said:
"Building strong relationships with caring adults can give young people an enormous self-esteem boost - and research out today shows it can even help teenagers turn their back on crime.
"Whether a young person needs support through a difficult time, or they just want advice on achieving their goals, a helping hand and a caring friend can be vital to support them in reaching their full potential.
"The volunteers, organisations and young people who've made this such a success deserve our congratulations and our thanks. I hope to see many more Scots making mentoring or befriending a rewarding part of their lives."
Lord Laidlaw said:
"I believe that we all have a duty to care for those who grow up struggling to retain hope for the future and a confidence in themselves in the face of adversity. Our job is to help these young people have fulfilling lives - to better themselves and their families, use their talents creatively, and enjoy the precious gift of life to the full.
"I am proud that, working in partnership with the Scottish Executive, we have done so much to support Mentoring and Befriending in Scotland."
Today's conference is being co-hosted by the Scottish Mentoring Network (SMN) and Befriending Network Scotland (BNS).
Scott Telfer, SMN Development Manager, said:
"In the last two years, the Laidlaw Youth Project has not only supported valuable direct project work on the ground with young people, but has brought together national organisations and encouraged strategic thinking."
Mike Nicholson, BNS Development Manager, said:
"This continued support is extremely welcome and will allow the positive contribution that mentoring and befriending makes to the lives of young people to grow further."
In 2003 Lord Laidlaw set up the Laidlaw Youth Project, investing £2 million to help vulnerable children and young people reach their full potential. The Executive committed £250,000 in 2004, part of which has supported the mentoring and befriending work of the project, and has since invested a further £250,000.
Research published today by the University of Edinburgh shows that social inclusion and strong bonds with adults (in the case of the study, teachers) are significant factors in young people giving up crime.