Inspirational projects that change young lives in Angus have been given a slice of a £1.5m pot of gold.
The groups have been given a combined £123,000 and are amongst 37 projects across Scotland receiving funding from the Young Start lottery fund.
Angus Women’s Aid received £49,739 and will use the money to set up a Young Experts Group to develop, promote and deliver various initiatives focusing on domestic abuse and its impact.
The group will make community connections and run a series of domestic abuse violence group work sessions in local schools and youth work.
From their base in Kirriemuir, DD8 Music will be able to continue their community music project for local young people for another two years, thanks to an award of £50,000.
Katie Reid, 20, DD8 Music’s chairperson, has been involved with the group since she was just nine.
She said: “We are so pleased to receive this grant as it means we can carry on creating safe and inspiring projects for the young people of Kirriemuir and the surrounding area.
“We are as grateful for this opportunity as it allows us to continue providing this much needed service for the local community.”
Meanwhile, a two-year funding package has given an award-winning Angus youth project a “bright and stable future”.
The Brechin Youth Project, which runs the Attic in the town, will receive £23,335 from the Young Start lottery fund.
The Attic opens four nights a week and offers a safe and friendly environment for young people with music, pool and internet access.
Jim (Peem) Milne, director and volunteer at Brechin Youth Project, said: “Since opening in 2002 almost 2,500 young people have taken out membership with 60 to 80 coming in, each of the four nights we open.
“This significant award, of £23,335, is revenue based which allows for the payment of wages which is the greatest annual expense and hardest to fund.
“It allows our youth workers to continue our successful nightly programme of activities in conjunction with our many partners.
“This award along with other funding secured and others applied for, means we will have sufficient funds for the next two years and gives us a bright and stable future all to the benefit of our young members.”
Announcing the funding totalling £1,534,172, Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said: “Young Start helps Scotland’s next generation unlock their talents through a wide range of activities.
“These are designed to engage and inspire young people, and ensure they have the best possible start in life.
“Each of these awards also shares another aim – giving young people chances to develop skills for a better future so I am delighted to announce this latest investment.”
