A LOCAL charity has been awarded £97,000 by the Big Lottery Fund.
The Peeblesshire Youth Trust was given five years’ core funding to help support young people in Tweeddale.

Programme co-ordinator Katie Buckingham said: “Peeblesshire Youth Trust (PYT) was born when a concerned parent was seeking a mentor for his son who was lacking in self-confidence and self-esteem. 

“The realisation that there must be many more children needing help and support led to the development of PYT which became a charity in 2009.

“PYT has gone from strength to strength. After starting off working with just three schools in Peebles, we now cover the whole of Tweeddale working with all nine schools and the High School. 

“Mentoring young people is at the core of what we do and this funding will enable us to provide an even better level of support to more children across the area.

“We are hugely grateful to the Big Lottery Fund and also to our brilliant volunteers who are committed to giving their time, skills and enthusiasm to helping a local child achieve their potential.”

Chairwoman of the organisation Anne Scott added: “The award from the Big Lottery Fund will help to give us financial stability over the coming years so that we can have a long term focus on improving the lives of the young people of Peeblesshire.”

Local MP David Mundell also welcomed the cash boost.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear that the Peeblesshire Youth Trust have been awarded this significant funding award of £97,000.

“I have been pleased to support the work the Youth Trust have done over the years as they are a tremendous resource for youngsters in the local community.

“I’m sure this funding will allow them to continue their excellent work and I look forward to seeing how the funding will be used to support youngsters across the area.”

Big Lottery Fund Scotland chairwoman, Maureen McGinn, added: “I am delighted that Peeblesshire Youth Trust has been successful in securing a Big Lottery Fund grant and I wish them every success as they go on to develop and expand their project for the benefit of their local community.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can email mentors@peeblesshireyouthtrust.org or call 07957 383663.