The Trust celebrated the 30th anniversary since its foundation in 2023 by awarding three special grants to mark the occasion in support of the following locally-based organisations:
Granton Youth – Granton Youth, established in 2002, provides opportunities for local young people aged 10-27 years to engage in youth work, informal education and programmes to support their involvement in positive activities and learning opportunities. It is recognised for its service delivery of open access youth work, outreach work, detached streetwork, counselling, physical activities, mentoring, family support, music and creative arts, as well as its volunteering and schools-based programmes supporting and engaging the most vulnerable and challenging young people and their families living in the local community.
Branch Out Together – Branch Out Together was established (as Lothian Autistic Society) in 1993 by parents who wanted to improve the opportunities available for their autistic children. Through the ensuing 30 years the charity has supported several thousands of children and young people through social activities during school holidays, weekends, and evenings. They are one of the main providers of support for autistic children in Edinburgh and the Lothians, through a suite of activities tailored around the needs of children and young people at all stages of their school years.
Edinburgh Young Carers – EYC support young carers (aged 5-25) in the Edinburgh area to maintain a balance between their caring role and their need for time and space for their own personal development. Young carers are more likely than their peers to be bullied and to experience exclusion and stigma. These challenges leave young carers at increased risk of developing poor mental health and experiencing educational and social disadvantage and exclusion. There has been a significant increase in demand in the last few years which has stretched the charity’s capacity to deliver its services to everyone hence the Trust wishing to support the organisation.