Rural Community Gateway

What's your project?

BTCV Scotland's Highland Youth Environment Heritage Programme, which is a continuation of our previous Highland Youth Environment pilot project.

Where is it?

Based in the Inverness office, we cover the Highlands and Islands.

Who's involved?

Locally, young people between 14 and 25 years old take part in a six week (one day per week) placement opportunity, working as a team alongside our regular midweek volunteer group.

On a wider scale, groups of young people from schools, youth groups etc. can take part in an environmental project either of their own design with the assistance of BTCV, or as part of BTCV’s regular volunteer projects.

How is it funded?

The project is funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Highland Council and the Ernest Cook Trust.

When is it funded to?

The initial funding runs until November 2007 (started in November 2005), but we are in the process of trying to secure further funding to continue the programme.

Biggest achievement so far?

The biggest achievement is the young people themselves, not only has their confidence and self esteem improved but also their practical skills and knowledge of both practical work and the environment.
Placements have also continued to repeat their six weeks, with one young lad now completing his 24 week certificate. Many of the young people have also gained their 50 and 100 hour Millennium Volunteer awards.

Any downsides so far?

No, the targets set within the funding have been reached, and far exceeded. The only part of the project I would like to improve is the number of ‘groups’ making contact, and following through working with us on an environmental project within their own local community.

Any advice needed from Rural Gateway users?

Any advice is always welcome on working with young people in the Highlands. It would be good to have many more contacts within the schools and youth group organisations who would like their young people to be more involved in community projects within their local environments.

Further Information
Keith Locke
Youth & Community Officer
BTCV Scotland
30, Millbank Road
Munlochy IV8 8ND
Tel: 01463 811 560
Fax: 01463 811 661
k.locke@btcv.org.uk
BTCV Inverness

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