Organisations supporting children, teenagers and young adults across Scotland are today sharing in £1,371,545 from Young Start.
Young Start is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund and it awards money from dormant bank accounts to projects that help young people across Scotland reach their full potential.
One of 15 groups who will benefit from a share of -the funding is Musselburgh based charity, Teapot Trust. Through the gentle process of art therapy, Teapot Trust supports children and young people living with chronic illness who are struggling with their mental health. Thanks to funding of £50,700 they will be able to continue providing this service for another two years.
One 9-year-old participant who attends Young Voices said: “I like this group because it makes me feel calm. You can be who you are because there are other people with arthritis.”
Ally Lloyd, Participation Officer, Young Voices, said: “It’s incredible to have this support from Young Start. Over the last year we have been working with children and young people with chronic illness who have taken part in art therapy with us, to understand what help they need. They have told us that they need more support around transitions, chronic illness and grief and get more chances to meet peers.
“They’ve already got some brilliant ideas about what can be done next, involving others and making a difference. It’s brilliant to think that now, thanks to this funding, we can make this happen.”
Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are always delighted to support such a broad range of projects that are driven by what young people want and need from their communities.”
“Organisations like Teapot Trust support young people to gain new skills and look after their own wellbeing and we’re delighted that Young Start funding will help them grow and develop this vital work. “
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