£10,000 Funding For Summer Fun

Young people in the Dingwall area are all set to have a fun-packed summer thanks to a funding boost of £10,000 for a programme of activities and events.

Over £9,600 of the funding came from the Youthlink Scotland with other money coming from NOPES PE and Sport,  part of the Big Lottery Fund and The Highland Council.

Following consultation with young people to find out what they would like to do in the holidays, The Highland Council’s Youth Development team approached organisations for funding so a programme of event for 12 – 20 year olds could be run over the summer months.

Youth Development Officer Lindsay Munro said:  “We were delighted to get £10,000 to go towards encouraging young people who do not usually participate to join in with a wide selection of fun activities.  By joining in and taking part young people will develop new skills, make new friends and gain confidence. They will also be able to find out how to take a more active role in their own communities through involvement in youth club and youth forums.

The Council’s Youth Development team, based in Dingwall, work with young people throughout the year to encourage participation. This funding boost will enable them to build on this relationship with young people and act as a springboard to encourage more to play a bigger role in community life and to be actively involved in planning future services.

Activities will include art workshops, sports and outdoor activities, dance and music classes, girls’ nights in local community halls and day trips, including a chance to try paint-balling.

Councillor Margaret Paterson said: “What a tremendous bonus to receive the £10,000 for the Summer Fun, this will enable us to fund more activities for our young people in the Dingwall area.  A wide range of activities are offered which should help develop new skills, make new friends and have fun.  With something for everyone this promises to be a very successful Summer Fun programme and I know that our youth development team have worked very hard to put it in place.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the events and how to get involved should contact the Youth Development team in Dingwall on 01349 869917.

11 Jul 2007