BORDERS MSP Christine Grahame has given her backing to YouthBorders in its latest fundraising mission.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this autumn, YouthBorders is the youth work body of the Borders and supports over 65 groups and 3,500 young people across the region.

It now plans to expand its youth work provision to provide a new exciting opportunity for young people to have their voices heard with the support of local business.

By establishing a Youth Board, the Galashiels-based charity is aiming to empower local young people, giving them valuable skills in decision making, strategic thinking, and community campaigning, supporting business within the Scottish Borders to developing a young workforce for tomorrow.

Ms Grahame said: “YouthBorders provides sterling coordination for youth work in the Borders and it would be great for the network to continue to grow and expand its work, giving young people a real voice. Thriving, confident and well-supported young people are the workforce of tomorrow, and I believe local businesses, therefore, have a big stake in the success of YouthBorders and the development of the youth board.

“If businesses, large and small, operating in the Borders can each commit even a small sum to YouthBorders for 2-3 years, the work of the network will be secured and enhanced.”

YouthBorders’ Chief Officer Clare de Bolle said: “We are very excited by this new venture, which will bring young people together from across the region and our diverse membership. Not only will it give a new voice to young people, but it will also be a great way to provide them with training, skills, networking and support, developing important contacts with business, promoting aspiration and community and ‘growing our own’ . We're delighted that Christine Grahame is promoting this project to businesses and the wider community and thank her for her support”

More information can be found at www.youthborders.org.uk Any business interested in supporting youth work in the region can contact Ms Grahame’s office on 01896 759575 or YouthBorders directly on 01896 755110.