Local charity, Kinross-shire Youth Enterprise, is today celebrating after being awarded £90,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work with young people in Kinross and the surrounding areas. The charity, based in the Youth Hub at Kinross, will use the money to run a 3-year programme of drop-in, workshops and activities for young people aged 11-19.
KYTHE was formed in 2014 and having grown each year, now supports over 360 young people. The purpose of the charity is to transform young lives through dynamic youth work.
The funding will enable the youth charity to run a 3-year programme which will include Drop-in, Study Support Sessions, Job Club, Cooking Skills, Life Skills Workshops, Youth Band, Woodwork and Art. All of which will contribute positively to young people’s mental health, wellbeing, and employability skills.
The new funding from The National Lottery Young Start Fund, will see KYTHE be able to reach more young people that are struggling and provide support to help young people reach positive destinations, such as re-engaging with education, going to college or getting a job.
Barry Dougall, Head of Youth Work for KYTHE, says: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Young Start has recognised our work in this way. Now, we will be able to further develop our team to offer a variety of groups across Kinross-shire, for young people to meet in a safe, informal setting. This is important because it puts young people at the centre in a non-judgmental environment to be challenged, supported, and also relax and socialise.”
John, volunteer at KYTHE, says: “It’s a privilege to be part of a team working to see young people happy, relaxed, and comfortable. It’s genuinely satisfying to be part of such a joyous environment.”
Young Start helps young people aged eight to 24 become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential. Since it launched in 2012, Young Start funding has awarded almost £60 million to projects driven both by and for the benefit of young people.