When The Gannochy Trust launched its Youth Panel Fund in 2023, the aim was simple — give young people a real say in the projects and activities that shape their communities.
Three years on, the initiative is already making a meaningful impact across Perth and Kinross, supporting local charities and community groups while empowering young people to take an active role in shaping opportunities for their peers.
At the heart of the programme is the Gannochy Trust Youth Panel, a group of 12 young people aged between 14 and 25 from across the region. Recruited through Perthshire Youth Work Partnership and services supporting care experienced young people, the panel represents a diverse mix of experiences and perspectives.
Meeting four times each year, the panel reviews applications from registered charities working in Perth and Kinross. Together they decide how to distribute grants of up to £10,000, drawn from an annual funding pot of £100,000.
What makes the fund unique is that the young people themselves designed its priorities from the outset. The panel identified three key areas where they believe funding can have the greatest impact: Youth Activity, Youth Voice, and Youth Health and Wellbeing.
One Youth Panel member said:
“Being part of the panel means we can support projects that young people actually care about. We get to see how different organisations are helping people our age, and it feels good knowing we’re helping make those opportunities possible.”
Another added:
“It’s been really interesting learning how charities work and how funding decisions are made. We talk through the applications together and think about which projects will have the biggest impact for young people locally. We designed the Youth Panel Fund to prioritise applications that are led by young people.”
Supporting projects that connect young people with nature
One of the early projects supported by the Youth Panel Fund was delivered by Coupar Angus Youth Activities Group, which received £3,987.50 to run an outdoor learning programme focused on nature and conservation.
Young people met weekly with environmental educator Louise Smith from Froglife to explore local wildlife and learn about protecting natural habitats. Working together in the community woodland in Coupar Angus, they created a pond to encourage biodiversity and establish a new ecosystem.
The programme included litter picks with Pride of Place, a paddle clean-up at Loch Clunie, and the creation of bird boxes using reclaimed wood. Participants also visited nature reserves including Vane Farm and the Loch of the Lowes to learn more about wildlife conservation.
Alongside these activities, young people developed new skills and worked towards achieving the John Muir Award, recognising their commitment to protecting and improving the environment.
Building confidence and leadership
The Youth Panel Fund has also supported projects designed to build confidence, independence and leadership skills.
With £4,500 in funding, YMCA Tayside organised a youth leadership programme and residential trip for young people from communities including Aberfeldy, Aberuthven and Perth.
Before travelling, the group took part in a leadership day featuring workshops in STEM, cooking, health and wellbeing, and teamwork. They also organised a sponsored walk to help support the project, giving participants a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
The programme culminated in a two-night residential trip to Alton Towers, which for some participants was their first time travelling away from home or leaving Scotland.
The experience encouraged young people to challenge themselves and support one another. One participant reflected:
“I didn’t think I’d be brave enough to go on the big rides, but with my friends cheering me on, I did it and I’m so glad.”
For many of the young people involved, the trip helped build confidence, strengthen friendships and create memories that will last for years to come.
Creating opportunities and lasting friendships
Another project supported by the fund was the Phoenix Youth Project at Kinnoull Parish Church, which received £4,650 to organise a winter retreat for young people at the Abernethy Trust centre in Nethy Bridge.
Fifteen young people took part in a weekend of outdoor activities including canoeing, skiing, archery, climbing and swimming. For some participants from lower-income families, it was their first opportunity to try activities such as skiing or to visit a new part of Scotland.
The retreat was shaped with input from the project’s Youth Committee, who helped choose activities, plan the programme and contribute ideas for the weekend. Through this involvement they developed skills in teamwork, communication, budgeting and planning.
Just as importantly, the retreat gave young people a chance to relax, make new friends and enjoy time together in a safe and supportive environment.
Reflecting on the initiative, Steven Greig, Development Manager of The Gannochy Trust, said:
“The Youth Panel Fund is about giving young people a genuine voice in how funding is used to support their communities. The panel members bring fresh perspectives and a real understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing young people today.
It’s inspiring to see the thoughtful way they approach funding decisions and the positive impact the projects are already having across Perth and Kinross.”
Three years since its launch, the Youth Panel Fund is helping create opportunities for young people across the region while also developing the next generation of community leaders.
By trusting young people to take full responsibility for funding decisions, The Gannochy Trust is demonstrating how youth voice, collaboration and community investment can come together to create lasting positive change.
If you’d like to apply for Youth Panel Funding on behalf of your organisation please visit our application page here
