Cabinet Secretary Discusses Future with Young People on Valentine’s Day

Communities and Local Government Cabinet Secretary, Aileen Campbell met with young people and staff from ‘Growing2gether in the Community’ on Valentine’s day.

We were thrilled to host her visit and the young people were amazing in their eloquence and insight in how the programme had impacted their lives. We are so proud of the young people we work with – who they are and how rich with wonderful gifts, qualities and character traits. Cabinet Secretary visited Charleston Academy and Kinmylies Nursery to meet young people and staff. Special thanks to the staff at both schools who went that extra mile in organizing the event.

Picture: Andrew Smith

I am always amazed to hear young people speak about Growing2gether. Without any guidance from us, we ask them just to be themselves and to speak from their hearts. Heartful is too mild a word to describe young people speaking with confidence and self- belief in themselves and what they are capable of achieving.

Ms Campbell, who came to confirm the second round of support from the Scottish Government’s Aspiring Communities Fund and European Social Fund, met with our young people who volunteer to mentor and support the development of small children, in partner nurseries, providing them with work experience, a responsible job to do and a respected role in their community. With Growing2gether in the Community, young people are able to take the time to work out the options for their future, increasing their interpersonal and social capital; awareness of the impact they have on others; dreaming into positive futures and what they need to do to make those futures real. The programme also includes them designing and delivering youth led community projects which address the needs of their local communities.

Picture: Andrew Smith

Picture: Andrew Smith

I can only say: ‘we are thrilled the Minister has had the time to see for herself the difference our unique approach makes to the skills and abilities of our participants. Having met and spoken with the teenagers, I am certain the value of our work is clear to her. We are delighted that the Scottish Government, European Social Fund and other funders continue to believe in our work and are grateful that the new funding means we can serve more deserving young people throughout the Highlands’.

Diana Whitmore

Find out more about Growing2gether in the Community here.