Leigh Boyd did YPI in 2014 when she was an S2 pupil at Arran High School.
Her team represented Arran Youth Foundations, securing the £3000 grant. Through this connection, she continued volunteering for the charity and is now a youth worker for the organisation.
Leigh said:
“Now in 2022, I’ve gone on to become a youth worker within the Youth Foundations, working with multiple groups a week including additional support needs, seniors, and young people.
“The social isolation on Arran can be quite tough for children and there isn’t much else to do on an island. But we give them the opportunity to attend different activities and go away on trips such as bowling, go-karting, Alton Towers, and much more.
“Through YPI I was given the opportunity to become a speaker for Arran Youth Foundations, giving presentations and talks to our community, as well as go to other islands such as Cumbrae to explain the sort of things we do to combat island issues for young people. I also gave a presentation to John Swinney.
“The skills I have learnt through YPI are things like giving presentations and improving my confidence. I also believe it helped with my passion for helping charities. I have now used these skills within my roles to help organise other fundraising events, and I also think it helped me to really understand the importance of charities and what they do.
“I really enjoyed doing YPI in school as I am a very passionate person. To be able to raise money and awareness for a charity I really believe helps people, is so worthwhile.”
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