Reaching across the generations thanks to Young Start

Youngsters across Scotland will make new connections with older people in their families and communities thanks to projects sharing in £383,272 of dormant banks and building society cash from the Young Start fund.

Alzheimer Scotland will be able to continue their successful befriending project after an award of £45,820. The “Forget me Not” project matches young volunteers with older people with dementia in care homes across Glasgow and West Lothian.

Sian Hunter, Volunteer Co-ordinator, said, “I know that this project has made a significant difference to both the young people and the older people that they are matched with. The students have gained so much from their visits and it’s really helped with their understanding of dementia.

“When they are given the opportunity young people can make a significant contribution to people living with dementia through genuine interest in that person, natural respect, patience and being a good listener.

“The project will be able to continue for another year thanks to Young Start, something we are all really thankful for. We are all looking forward to another year of laughter, smiles, companionship and, most importantly, understanding.”

An innovative project will use the centenary of World War 1 as a way of bringing different generations together thanks to an award of £50,000 to Character Education Scotland.

The group will work with 1,000 young people across the country who will team up with a grandparent or other older relative. Their research might be triggered by an inspirational quote, figure, poem or painting from the period which engages or inspires them to find out more.
Ronnie Davidson, Chief Executive, said, “We are delighted to be able to put out plans into action in 2017 with the help of the Young Start award. The centenary of the First World War provides a rich source or stories and examples of strength of character which can be a positive source of inspiration for young people.

Our Inspiring Purpose programme will enable young people and older family or community members to work together on a personal development project using the centenary as a key theme. In doing so we hope to make the terrible events from 100 years ago help to develop a stronger sense or purpose in those who take part. For anyone who would like to take part in the programme can pre-register at www.inspiringpurpose.org.uk/youngstart.”

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said, “Young Start helps ensure that Scotland’s next generation has the best possible start in life. All of today’s nine successful projects share that ambition, so I am delighted to announce this latest investment totalling £383,272.

“Alzheimer Scotland, working in Glasgow and West Lothian will offer young people valuable volunteering opportunities to make connections with older people with dementia; providing experiences that should have a lasting impact on them and Character Education , an intergenerational research project will help link different generations in families across the country as they share memories and stories of the First World War.”

Run by the Big Lottery Fund Scotland, Young Start awards money from dormant bank and building society accounts to support a range of projects to help young people aged eight to 24 years old reach their full potential. These latest nine awards to groups will allow young people across Scotland to access a wide range of new opportunities.

For more information about Young Start visit the website.