Scotland's youth gets a funding boost
The Essentia Foundation has invested more funding into third sector organisations that aim to empower and upskill young people across Scotland.
Launched back in October, this round awarded grants to 22 charitable organisations and community groups from across Scotland. From a residential project in the North-west Highlands to an early intervention initiative in the centre of Edinburgh, all projects will support the promotion of the health and social welfare of children and young people up to the age of 25.
One successful applicant was Camp and Trek who received £3,000 to provide disadvantaged youth the chance to participate in outdoor adventure activities. Camp and Trek have been active in the realm of youth work for over 20 years. The charity targets young people who are drawn from regions across Scotland with very high levels of social and economic deprivation. In recent years the organisation has chosen to focus on young carers who are burdened with additional responsibilities and who are at risk of loneliness and isolation.
“For everyone the past two years have brought torrid times and this fantastic award, with funding by Essentia and administered by Foundation Scotland, is our first significant step towards a brighter future. We offer young people the chance to make new friends, explore exciting places and discover more about themselves. Thank you for making this possible!”
Anton Randle, Camp & Trek Chair
In Renfrewshire, Outspoken Arts Scotland have been awarded a grant of £2,817.40 to support the delivery of creative workshops. Activities will target young people aged between 17 and 25 years old who are based in and around Paisley and the workshops will cover a wide range of topics from photography and printmaking to textiles and film. It is hoped that this interactive project will upskill young creatives and support them as they enter further education or the labour market.
“We are truly delighted to receive the support of Essentia Foundation. The grant will enable us to provide exciting workshops for the young, vulnerable people and older adults who have experienced isolation and loneliness and curtailment of art events due to Covid-19. We really look forward to positive engagement through our art workshops and hope that they help rebuild people’s mental health and well-being.”
Steven Thomson, Creative Director
In Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust was awarded a grant of £560 to fund sailing activities for young people with disabilities. The project will see a Summer sailing club at Knockburn Loch which will seek to make sailing an accessible pastime for those with disabilities. It is hoped that activities will empower participants to feel more confident, capable and active in the great outdoors.
“We are really delighted to receive this funding. Last year our Disability sailing at Knockburn made an enormous difference to our young participants after a very tough year. We know it will be every bit as important this Summer. Thank you!”
Angie Fraser, Principal at AST
The Essentia Foundation, alongside Foundation Scotland, look forward to tracking the progress of all projects as they begin their journey in 2022. To find out more about what the Foundation has funded, why not check out their case studies?
The next round of funding is scheduled to reopen to new applications in Summer 2022. For further details, visit the Essentia Foundation Fund page.