The latest #YouthVIP report, developed in partnership with young people across the country, has been published with new insights into what motivates them to volunteer, the barriers they face, and what they need to feel inspired, included and supported. As a result, 9 recommendations have been formed to act as a guide for organisations looking to recruit and retain young people as volunteers.
News
Volunteer Opportunity: MCR Pathways Mentors
MCR Pathways supports young people who have experienced disadvantage and helps them to realise their full potential through education. The programme pairs Volunteer Mentors with students, and Mentors spend an hour each week listening to and encouraging a young person in their school. The programme is currently expanding across Falkirk District to include 3 new schools, which means more Volunteers Mentors are being recruited to support local students.
Volunteer Opportunity: FOSS Trustees
Friends of Scottish Settlers (FOSS) is a Falkirk-based befriending charity, which helps newcomers to the Falkirk District to make use of the knowledge, networks and services they need to live full, self-determined lives. They are now seeking to appoint up to 3 additional Trustees to join their Board. The deadline for applications is Friday 18 July 2025.
Woodward Charitable Trust Grants
The Woodward Charitable Trust provides grants of up to £10,000 per year, to organisations supporting disadvantaged families with young children up to 11 years old, and organisations which work directly with children of the same age group. The next application deadline is 12pm on Thursday 31 July 2025.
2025 Healthy Heart Grant Scotland
Heart Research UK has announced the launch of its 2025 Healthy Heart Grant for Scotland, offering up to £15,000 per project to support innovative, community-led projects that promote heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 9 July 2025.
CashBack for Communities: Applications Open
Applications are now open for the next phase of CashBack for Communities funding, which will provide up to £26 million from April 2026 to end of March 2029. Organisations can apply for grants of £150,000 – £1,500,000. The deadline for applications at 12pm on Thursday 7 August 2025.
Save the Date: Scotland Demands Better March
The Poverty Alliance has announced the date of a national march and rally for its new campaign, Scotland Demands Better. The march is scheduled to take place on Saturday 25 October 2025 in Edinburgh, aiming to showcase the campaign’s strength and unify its members’ calls for change, with further details to be confirmed closer to the time.
Consultation on Long Term Conditions Framework
Scottish Government has launched the second part of a public consultation on the development of a new Long Term Conditions Framework. In this stage, they are inviting feedback from both stakeholders and members of the public to help shape an approach that truly reflects the needs of people living with long term conditions. The deadline for responses is Sunday 20 July 2025.
Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill Introduced to “Keep The Promise”
Scottish Government has introduced the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill to Scottish Parliament, marking a step toward fulfilling its “Keep The Promise” commitment.
Link Academy Moving On Up Course: Referrals Open
Link Academy (part of the Link Group) is currently accepting referrals for their Moving On Up course, beginning this August in Falkirk. Moving On Up is a personal development programme designed for young people aged 16 – 19 years old. The course will take place every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for 10 weeks, 10am – 3pm, with one to one support on a Friday, based within the Academy building itself.
