Looking back over 2024, KYTHE has supported more young people this year, because of a strengthened front-line team (with the appointment of our head of operations) and a growing team of volunteers, who contribute in a variety of ways for the benefit of the young people of Kinross-shire.
KYTHE’s mission is to ensure that every young person in Kinross-shire is given the opportunities they need to reach their potential. Every young person is an individual, and regular group activities may not suit everyone. Our flexibility creates a bespoke environment where the young person can be themselves, be at ease with what they’re doing and connect the youth workers and others.
This year has been no exception as we continued all our regular activities such as, Chill’n’Chat, Friday afternoon drop-ins, Fitness Clubs, youth awards and youth clubs further afield in Crook of Devon and Dunbarney. However, this year KYTHE had new projects to offer.
New projects
Our art workshops are always popular, but the new art project enabled young people to experience the work of different artists and express themselves through new media. This included ceramics, portraiture, photography and journaling workshops. One young person, like many others, has struggled with their mental health over the last few years. They have valued putting the time and energy into the art projects as a way of expressing themselves through their creative outlets.
Our other new project was KYTHE Composes. It focussed on original songwriting and creativity, rather than playing other artists’ materials, using different songwriting techniques. The young people expressed themselves eloquently through the media of songs. From social and political issues to nonsensical songs about fish slices and the Antarctic, variety was not in short supply! To finish, the young people performed at the KYTHE Live 2.0 gig in June. Some of the young people had never performed and sung live before, and they navigated new-found stage nerves but did not succumb and the evening was a huge success!
Christmas Appeal
As we approach Christmas, we reflect that many families may be struggling financially, and this can impact their young people. At KYTHE we offer all our activities free of charge, and last year we gave each of the young people a small Christmas bag full of essential items, such as deodorant, shower gel, toothbrush, along with a couple of fun items – chocolate is always enjoyed! This year we aim to distribute 360 bags. Nowadays many people opt to send Christmas cards virtually and give to charity. Please support the young people of Kinross-shire and donate via the website (https://kythe.org.uk/donate/) or the QR code.
Best wishes for Christmas and New Year from all the team at KYTHE.