Listen
Cash injection for youth groups
12/09/2007
More action-packed activities will be open to Scotland's young people following a cash injection for youth projects.
More than £2 million has been unveiled for over 200 projects under Moving Forward, the Scottish Government's strategy to improve young people's chances through youth work.
The grants will fund initiatives including:
- Sports programmes and competitions
- Music lessons
- Arts and theatre projects
- Film production programmes
Children and Early Years Minister Adam Ingram said:
"Having fun and learning new skills are key to enhancing young people's lives and broadening their horizons. We want to make sure as many as possible have access to a wide range of experiences.
"These projects open opportunities for young people, giving them the chance to try new things and develop their confidence in the process. I know that these grants will make a real difference to young people across Scotland."
YouthLink Scotland Chief Executive Jim Sweeney said:
"The youth work sector welcomes the investment made by the Scottish Government.
"We are pleased that a wide range of organisations are now able to increase their provision of quality youth work projects and programmes for Scotland's young people."
The Youth Opportunities Fund grants will be handed to local and national organisations running activities for young people.
The money, which follows £500,000 allocated in the summer, forms part of an £8 million package for Moving Forward's Year of Action for Young People.
The Year of Action was announced in March 2007 at the launch of Moving Forward - a strategy for improving young people's chances through youth work.
During the Year of Action the Government will:
- Provide £500,000 to build the capacity of youth organisations and improve training for volunteer youth workers
- Set up a £2.5 million Youth Opportunities Fund so that young people can run local events and campaigns
- Invest £5 million to improve facilities for young people
- Appoint a co-ordinator to strengthen links with schools and youth workers