Renfrewshire Council

Celebrating Renfrewshire uses a participatory budgeting model and gives young people the opportunity to put forward their own ideas for funded projects that will make a difference in their Local Partnership area.

This year over 50 applications have been submitted by young people aged 12-25, or by those who work with this age group, with projects ranging from volunteer training and educational opportunities to workshops in music, drama and sport.

Senior Development Officer, Lizzie McLean, has formed a steering group with local young people to help shape the priorities for this year's fund. The group have a leading role in managing the application process this year and are particularly interested in projects focused on mental and physical wellbeing; cost of living; employability and life skills; staying safe; substance use and addiction; and violence-diversionary projects for young people.

Lizzie said: "Celebrating Renfrewshire is a fund that is unique to Renfrewshire. It provides young people with an opportunity to not only create projects in response to priorities identified by them, but also to take control and responsibility in deciding where funds should be spent in their local areas. 

"The Celebrating Renfrewshire steering group consulted with other young people, and council staff, to launch this year's fund offering youth organisations an opportunity to tackle their chosen priorities head on."

"By voting in Celebrating Renfrewshire, young people can take a step in delivering change within their communities and provide more opportunities for their peers across Renfrewshire. 

"If you work with, or have young people aged 12 -25 at home, please encourage them to cast their vote and continue to leave a legacy for young people across Renfrewshire. All they need is their Young Scot card but if they don't have one, please get in touch with me and I can issue a temporary number to allow them to take part."

Voting takes place on the Young Scot platform and is open until midnight on Monday 15 July.

Visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/celebratingrenfrewshire for more information.

Published Wednesday 10 July 2024