THE Biggar Youth Project came in for praise as local MSP Aileen Campbell launched the Scottish Government’s national Youth Work Strategy.

“When I spoke to launch the strategy, I made special reference to the many wonderful youth workers across Clydesdale – the Biggar Youth Project, Universal Connections, the sports clubs and numerous uniformed groups to name but a few,” she told the Peeblesshire News. “So much of the success of these groups is down to the thousands of volunteers and workers across Scotland, who give up their own time for the benefit of our young people.

“So it was a particular pleasure to launch the new national strategy on youth work, which will build on the activities of these volunteers and half a million young people across Scotland.

“Participation in youth work gives young people the chance to develop skills, self-confidence and a sense of connection with others.

“It widens their horizons and helps them make positive choices in their lives as they move into adulthood.

“This strategy will build on the brilliant work being done by the thousands of volunteers and workers across Scotland to properly recognise the hugely transformative power they have on young lives.

“Every £1 we invest in our young people can bring about up to £13 in savings by preventing issues in later life, so it is not only right but essential that we get things right to allow for positive outcomes in the future.

“It is important that we do everything that we can to help young people reach their potential – which is why this strategy is particularly welcome, following on the back of our commitment to modern apprenticeships and college places.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that Scotland is the best place in the world to grow up – and this strategy will build on the its existing policies and allow us to work towards making this a reality.” The Clydesdale MSP took time to meet up with a group of Boys’ Brigade young volunteers in Parliament, on the day she launched the strategy in her capacity as Minister for Children & Young People.

One of the key aspects of the strategy is to enhance the support offered to volunteers and youth workers across Scotland.

The document, 'Our ambitions for improving the life chances of young people in Scotland’, was developed alongside key organisations from the volunteering sector and will play an important role in ensuring that Scotland is the best place to grow up.

The plan will increase support for the 73,000 youth workers in Scotland and will widen access to their services to more young people – and record the impact of youth work to demonstrate the sector’s true value to helping young people reach their potential.

The Scottish Government is already committed to ensuring 25,000 modern apprenticeships in every year of this Parliament – and recently announced the creation of 3,500 new college places.