This project brought together Clued Up, Routes (Scottish Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol), The Corra Foundation and Youth Scotland — and it changed everyone involved.
Absolutely like go for it, get young people involved because if it's going to be affecting young people, why shouldn't you involve young people? If it's affecting whoever it's affecting, they should be involved in the decision.
Anna, Routes (Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol)
Together, the partnership created a young grantmaker programme, developed by young people, for young people. A Force To Be Reckoned With shows the power of involving young people in decision-making and how organisations can build better services as a result.
This work is part of the Way Forward for Families Partnership, jointly funded by the Scottish Government and The Corra Foundation. The partnership is guided by the Way Forward Steering Group and the Be Different to Make A Difference youth advisory group, facilitated by Youth Scotland.
As part of this programme, the advisory group co-designed and co-delivered a small grants programme — the You’re Only Young Once (YOYO) Fund.
The advisory group wanted this fund to help children, young people and families shape and share their experiences, create connections, and influence participation, policy and practice across Scotland.
The YOYO Fund supports organisations with a track record of working with children, young people and families affected by drugs and alcohol.
We believe the power to create change rests with people themselves. This fund aims to improve outcomes for children, young people and families affected by alcohol and drugs by supporting them to become more empowered – facilitating their participation in the plans and the decisions that affect them.
Make A Difference youth advisory group
We would like to thank Garry from The Corra Foundation; Millie, Summer, Anna, Lynne and Pam from Routes; and Paige, Rachel, Jack, Allana and Amy from Clued Up for sharing their experiences.