FIFE Young Carers, which provides support to young and young adult carers up to the age of 25, has received financial backing of £3,000, thanks to a nomination from Lochgelly High School pupils.

Fife Young Carers and The Clued Up Project in Fife, which provides a “youth friendly” substance support and information service in the area, have each received a £3000 financial boost through the STV Children’s Appeal partnership with Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Scotland (YPI).

The charities were nominated by the winning teams from Lochgelly High School and Madras College respectively, which took part in the YPI programme during the 2016/17 school year.

Lochgelly based, Fife Young Carers, is a small local charity which supports children and young people whose lives are affected by having a caring role at home.

This role can impact on young peoples’  ability to reach their educational potential, form and maintain relationships with their peers and affect their own physical and mental wellbeing. The service provides 1:1 support to assist young people to cope with their caring roles, and group support allowing them to have a break and spend time with their peers.

Talking about their involvement with the YPI programme, Nina Collins, Manager for Fife Young Carers, said: “We were delighted to be chosen by the group of pupils at Lochgelly High School; the process not only helped the pupils develop their skills and confidence but also raised awareness in their school about hidden young carers and the support available to them.  "The donation will allow Fife Young Carers to purchase much needed resources for our support groups in addition to providing young carers living in the local area with a break from their caring roles. We would like to thank the Wood Foundation, STV Appeal and the pupils and teachers from Lochgelly High School for their support.”

Managed in Scotland by The Wood Foundation, the YPI programme engages young people in social change and empowers them to critically understand their local community. This year, the two Fife –based charities, are among nine winning charities to receive their YPI grants directly from the STV Children’s Appeal.

Commenting on YPI and its partnership with STV, Sir Ian Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation who manage YPI in Scotland, said: “The Wood Foundation’s Youth & Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is undoubtedly the most exciting and effective young people’s philanthropic learning experience in Scotland.  "We are proud of the partnership we enjoy with the STV Children’s Appeal through YPI.  The support of the STV Children’s Appeal, and other likeminded partners, is central to the continued growth, development and success of YPI."