A new fund has been announced to help young Scot’s drive change in their local communities during the Year of Young People 2018.

Young Scot has launched the £10,000 Sandy Watson Memorial Fund for groups of young people aged 11 to 26. Funding can be used for big ideas, fantastic projects or amazing events based around the themes of the arts or mental health. Groups can apply for £2,000 to support activities taking place during the Year of Young People 2018. Application are open now and close on the 16th March 2018. To apply visit young.scot/yoyp2018.

All ideas are welcome including those that involve film, music, talks, art, recreation, volunteering, or learning. Applications must encourage young people’s interest in the arts or mental health, and support wider community development through events, skills development or new initiatives.

The Sandy Watson Memorial Fund has been created to support young Scots during Year of Young People 2018 in memory of the late Sandy Watson OBE. Sandy was the former CEO of Angus Council and Chair of NHS Tayside, who committed many years of service to the Young Scot Board. Sandy’s belief and commitment to all that young people can achieve in their communities reflects the objectives of this fund.

Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot said, “Sandy believed passionately in young people’s capacity to create lasting and meaningful change and he had a huge impact on Young Scot and Scotland’s youth sector. During the Year of Young People 2018, we wanted to give young people an opportunity to make their ideas a reality with a new fund to celebrate his legacy and we hope to see some amazing application from across Scotland.