BBC Children in Need supports two Moray projects with £200,000 worth of grants
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BBC Children in Need has announced that it has awarded new grants totalling almost £200,000 to two local projects working with disadvantaged children and young people in Moray.
The Loft Youth Project has received £100,000, while Elgin Youth Development Group has received £98,700.
The new funding awards were made possible after the BBC Children in Need’s 2020 Appeal in November and will support the delivery of vital services to young people in Moray.
The Loft Youth Project will use its funding for youth clubs for disadvantaged children and young people living in rural areas. By providing weekly creative activities and learning opportunities, the project aims to tackle poor mental health, isolation and poverty.
Elgin Youth Development Group will use their grant to fund one-on-one support and group projects for children and young people in Moray
A combination of youth worker guidance, drop-in sessions, health and wellbeing recreational activities, community projects, volunteering and work opportunities will all help reduce isolation, boost confidence and improve poor physical and mental health within the local community.
Lynn Geddes, director of the board at Loft Youth Project, said: “Thank you to everyone at BBC Children in Need for their incredible support.
"We aim to provide a welcoming, safe and secure environment where children and young people can access a range of creative and educational activities, opportunities and guidance to meet their individual needs.
"This funding will allow us to continue encouraging these children and young people to learn and grow, improving their quality of life."
Clair Ferguson, chief executive at Elgin Youth Development Group said: “Our safe and inclusive space offers opportunities for young people to develop, socialise and experience new things.
"Our project has grown into a highly-respected community resource and we wouldn’t be able to continue our vital work without the support from everyone at BBC Children in Need. Thank you for allowing us to help change young lives.”
Simon Antrobus, chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said: “After a year of immense challenge and uncertainty, we are proud to be awarding funding to local projects which will provide a lifeline and help children and young people facing disadvantage navigate through the lasting impact of the pandemic.
"At a time when children and young people need us most, thanks must go to our remarkable supporters without whom none of these awards would be possible."
Across Moray, BBC Children in Need is currently funding three projects to a value of £310,129.
