We Need Your Voice – £4.5 Million Funding Cuts

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

Last week, the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) proposed to cut funding worth £700,000 in the current year and £4.5 million next year, withdrawing money from 64 organisations across the city – including Venture Scotland.  

As a charity dedicated to supporting young people aged 16-30 in Scotland, we are deeply concerned by EIJB’s recent announcement regarding significant funding cuts. These cuts threaten to undermine our vital services and leave many young adults facing challenges with their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, and without the personal development support they desperately need. With our foundations built on empowering youth through transformative outdoor experiences, we recognise the critical role we play in their lives, and we cannot afford to let these funding cuts go unchallenged. 

The proposed budget cuts are poised to exacerbate an already strained funding environment, particularly affecting third-sector organisations like ours that rely heavily on public and charitable funding to operate. 

Moreover, the money we receive from the EIJB provides us with essential resources to support young adults between 26-30 years old as funding for youth work targeting 26-30-year-olds often falls through the gaps, leaving this demographic in a precarious position. These individuals are often overlooked in discussions about youth work support services, despite facing unique challenges intensified by the COVID pandemic. The lasting effects of the pandemic have increased the demand for mental health resources, skills development, and social integration in this age group, making our work more crucial than ever. 

The potential impact of these cuts is severe. Our ability to deliver vital support services for 26-30-year-olds will be compromised, leaving many without access to crucial resources. As the demand for our services continues to grow, we urge decision-makers to reconsider these cuts and to invest in the future of our young people. 

These cuts not only threaten our organisation but also the future of countless young adults who depend on our support to thrive. At Venture Scotland, we have witnessed firsthand the impact of dedicated youth work in transforming lives, and to see this essential support jeopardised is devastating.David Brackenridge, CEO. 

We invite you to take action. Please give your support by signing our petition to help make a case to reverse the decision of the EIJB committee to cut this funding. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that all young people have access to the support they need to succeed. SIGN THE PETITION HERE