COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing, has welcomed news that the Young Start programme, run by the Big Lottery Fund Scotland for the Scottish Government, has re-opened for applications.

Young Start is about putting money from dormant bank and building society accounts to work helping children and young people aged between eight and 24 years of age to be more confident and play an active part in realising their own potential.

Encouraging groups in her Cowdenbeath constituency to consider whether they might benefit from this programme, Ms Ewing said:

“There is a huge amount of unclaimed money, sitting doing nothing in dormant bank and building society accounts and this programme puts that money to good use.

“Young Start awards money from accounts that have seen no customer-initiated activity for at least 15 years, to support a range of projects that help young people.

“Over the next three years approximately £18million will be available for voluntary sector organisations who involve young people in the design, running and implementation of activities. Groups can apply for grants between £10 and £100k and I am sure that there are groups in my constituency who have plans in mind that could benefit from this funding".

The MSP added: “I would encourage any such group to get in touch with Young Start before they apply.

"They are very keen to talk to potential applicants about their ideas up front, before they apply. They will be able advise groups whether this funding is right for what they want to do and will send them an application form to fill out.

“This will also allow Young Start to provide extra support if they need it. Groups wanting to apply can get in touch by calling 0300 123 7110.”