The Gannochy Trust and Perth and Kinross Council have signed a new agreement to extend the Universal Youth Service Partnership between the two organisations which has been operating since 2019. The new three-year deal will run from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2027, with an opportunity for a further two-year extension thereafter.
The existing five-year contract finishes on 31st March 2024 with the new agreement continuing to provide a consolidated single source funding package of over £325,000 per annum for youth work charities across the five localities of Perth and Kinross.
The closing date for submission of tenders for the new three-year funding package being provided under the agreement is 21st July 2023, with the successful applicants being announced on the 26th September.
Bruce Renfrew, who sits on the Gannochy Trust Board of Trustees said: “We are delighted to renew the Universal Youth Services Partnership with Perth and Kinross Council.
Having access to multi-year funding allows for longer term planning and greater financial security for local charities. It also encourages collaboration between agencies who historically would have competed for the same funding annually. We now see localities share resources, best practices, and new ideas, which can only be a good thing for young people across the region.
The positive impact of Universal Youth work cannot be overstated. The provision of a safe space for young people to meet, socialise and access activities, as well as support around the development of new skills and opportunities, can be life changing and puts many young people on a path to a brighter, happier future.”
Councillor Grant Laing, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “The partnership with Gannochy Trust over the past five years has shown the benefits of working in partnership within our communities to get the best results for residents. In particular this partnership has had a positive impact on providers of youth services and ultimately on the young people of our area.
“These are organisations which provide crucial services for young people. Helping them gain valuable skills and opportunities so that they can realise their full potential. By offering three-year funding packages our partnership approach allows providers to plan ahead with confidence and offer a consistency and stability to the young people they work with.”
