Supporting young people onto the right path - £150,000 to fund grassroots youth services

27th October 2025

Measures to help re-engage young people from low-income backgrounds with school and address anti-social behaviour have been announced by Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson.

Third sector organisation Youth Scotland will deliver a £100,000 investment in grassroots youth work to secure safe spaces for young people, helping them overcome barriers to learning and develop skills.

In addition, £50,000 has been made available to YouthLink Scotland to support measures that focus on improving school attendance and positive behaviours.

Announcing the support at Scotland's National Youth Work Conference today, Mr Macpherson said:

"We want to see further investment in projects and initiatives supporting young people from communities impacted by criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, to help them take a different pathway and develop positive skills they need for learning, life and work.

“I have seen the demonstrable difference that youth workers can make in helping to divert young people away from negative paths, and instead towards positive behaviours and destinations. Youth work can prevent violence and anti-social behaviour before it starts, by offering trusted relationships, safe environments, and positive role models, and often reducing risky harmful behaviours from escalating.

“Youth workers support young people to build confidence and resilience, and develop skills to navigate challenges, reach their full potential, and positively contribute to their communities."