Lottery support to help young care leavers achieve their dreams

The Big Lottery Fund Scotland today (30 JULY) announces its latest package of funding worth nearly £3 million to seven projects across Scotland. Young care leavers in Edinburgh will benefit from a grant of over £700,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Investing in Communities programme.

Announcing the awards, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said:

“Investing in Communities funds projects which help people in real need now, as well as projects which focus on prevention. It aims to support people at key times of change to make their lives better for the future. The groups funded today, including LinkLiving, reflect this ambition so we are delighted to award these seven projects which are making a big difference where it is needed most.”

Today’s grant of £720,862 for LinkLiving’s Positive Transitions Project aims to help young care leavers in Edinburgh aged 16 and 17 years old to develop the skills and resilience necessary to make the transition from local authority care to independent living. The project will provide the youngsters with supported accommodation in the form of ten independent flats and a central 'hub' flat which will be permanently staffed. The young tenants will have a key worker to help them with individual support plans, focused particularly on employability and independent living skills. Workshops will be also be held to help build confidence and prepare those who are on the point of leaving care and living independently.

LinkLiving Limited is part of the Link Group which has over 50 years’ experience in providing socially inclusive regeneration, housing and support services to communities across Scotland.

Director, Elaine Johnston, said:

‘We are delighted that the Big Lottery Fund has decided to support our young care leavers project. LinkLiving has been working with young people with experience of being in care for many years and we know only too well how much a new project is needed in Edinburgh. We are all looking forward to creating a more positive experience for young people when they move on from the care system and helping them achieve their dreams’.

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