Care-experienced young people across North Ayrshire and Scotland will be at the heart of a £4 million fund to help improve the lives of those in or on the edges of care.
The Promise Partnership Fund will help organisations to implement changes so they can better support children, young people and families who need it.
Private, public and third sector organisations can apply and care-experienced young people will assist in the final funding decisions.
Funding of up to £50,000 will be available to help organisations create capacity, adapt approaches and work towards cultural shifts and collaboration across the ‘care system‘.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP said:
"The Promise Partnership Fund is an important step towards keeping The Promise to bring transformational changes to the lives of children, young people and families in or on the edges care.
“We have already seen many partners take the principles of the Promise to the heart of their organisations. This initial funding towards keeping the Promise will help organisations to make the changes that are necessary to improve holistic family support, so that families are listened to and get the support where they need it, when they need it and for as long as they need it.
“It is absolutely right that care-experienced young people and families will be at the heart of The Promise Partnership Fund decision-making process.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Following the outcome of the Care Review last year, much work has been done to put programme in place that will help deliver what is really important to care experienced people, families and those who work with them.
“I would also encourage anyone in North Ayrshire with lived experience of Scotland’s ‘care system’ to consider applying to serve on the Decision Making Panel, which will assist in the final funding decisions.”
Fiona Duncan, Chair of The Promise, said:
“Despite a difficult year, it is clear that organisations and individuals all across Scotland recognise their responsibility to and are working towards Keeping their Promise to children and families. The Promise Partnership is an important step towards helping change happen right now and in the future.”
The CORRA foundation is administering the fund and details on eligibility and how to apply are on their website. Applications will close on 1 March at noon.
If you are interested in joining the Decision Making Panel, more information can be found here.
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