Ten youth work organisations receive share of latest funding.
Ten youth work organisations will share in £150,000 to help
enhance community safety and support young people to make better
choices.
The grant issued to YouthLink Scotland will be evenly distributed
to ten organisations across Scotland as part of the ‘No Knives
Better Lives' initiative. The scheme aims to drive down knife
crime through focused youth work in hotspot locations, early
intervention, and by supporting those at risk of disengaging from
education.
Cabinet Secretary for Education said:
“Supporting young people in making the right choices and
community safety are crucial to everyone in Scotland enjoying a
good quality of life wherever they live, work or travel around
the country.
“The Scottish Government stands resolute in addressing the root
causes of youth violence and knife crime. Every young person
deserves a chance at a prosperous future. Preventing problems
before they occur can only be achieved by working with partners
like YouthLink Scotland.
“We have committed more than £6 million since 2023 to deliver
Scotland's Violence Prevention Framework. This latest funding
will help improve young people's attendance and engagement at
school, along with their confidence, skills and wellbeing and
help reduce the incidence and impact of violence and knife crime
in communities across Scotland.”
Tim Frew, CEO of YouthLink Scotland said:
“We warmly welcome this investment from the Scottish Government
in youth work as a vital part of preventing violence and
supporting young people early.
“Youth work is a powerful protective factor, helping young people
build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging through
trusted relationships and safe spaces. This investment recognises
the value of approaches that work and will strengthen the case
for youth work as an essential part of violence prevention.”
This latest grant support is being delivered as part of 2025-26
funding for the Scottish Attainment Challenge. The Scottish
Government recently committed up to £200 million funding in
2026-27 budget to continue the Scottish Attainment Challenge over
the next year. The fund's aim is to close the poverty-related
attainment gap through educational improvement and community
initiatives.
Background
The ten youth organisations receiving funding are:
- Castlemilk Youth Complex – Glasgow
- Hot Chocolate – Dundee
- YIP World – Auchinleck and Cumnock
- Jack Kane Community Centre – Edinburgh
- YMCA – Kirkcaldy
- Granton Youth – Edinburgh
- Royston Youth Action – Glasgow
- North Ayrshire Youth Services: LA – Ardrossan, Saltcoats,
Stevenson, Irvine
- Aberdeen Council
- Inverclyde Council
The Scottish Government is committed to the Scottish Attainment
Challenge programme continuing into 2026-27. The budget includes
up to £200 million in the SAC Programme to further improve
outcomes for children and young people impacted by poverty, with
allocations expected to remain at the same levels as 2025-26.
Pupil attainment: closing the
gap - Schools - gov.scot
