The Holywood Trust has been a long-term supporter of YPI in Dumfries & Galloway, granting more than £150,000 over seven years.

The trust’s Grant Officer Sammie Smith shares why the organisation is committed to the partnership.

Why do you support YPI? 

“The Trust supports YPI because we feel it’s important that young people have a say in how grant funding can be used to support local charities and taking part in the YPI programme gives them that opportunity.  Young people are able to develop a wide range of transferable skills that will support them in their education and beyond.” 

Tell us about some of the most impactful presentations you have seen during your partnership?

“There have been so many, but one that has always stuck with me was one from Dumfries High School. A group of young people presented on behalf of a local Baby Loss Awareness charity and there was a personal connection to one of the young people in the group. I was really impressed at their strength in being able to share their family experience with their peers, the presentation was very moving, and it also included a creative musical performance. In general, the more impactful presentations almost always come from groups who have been able to visit or volunteer with their charities, I think this really helps in their understanding of the importance and difference the charities make in their local area and in turn increases their passion to get them the £3,000.”

How does YPI connect you with your community in a different way?  

“YPI allows us to reach a wider network of local charities. It’s great to hear more about the work in our local third sector at the YPI Final Showcases, particularly through the eyes of young people.”

 Why is it important young people have a voice? 

“It’s important that young people are given the support to use their voice to reinforce to them that they can make a difference across many areas of their life and in their communities. This is hopefully something that will stay with them and positively impact in their life going forward.”

Bringing to life the impact of The Holywood Trust’s partnership is Castle Douglas High School alumnus Craig Andrew Brown. Craig took part in YPI in 2022/23 with his team securing funds The IT Centre. He now works there as a Refurbishment Technician. He said:

“I first found out about The IT Centre when I was working towards my bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s award and reached out about the possibility of volunteering a few nights per week after school. After several months, over study leave and my summer holiday I began to volunteer for full day shifts whenever I could. During fifth year, I was given the opportunity to take part in YPI at Castle Douglas High School and, along with my colleague, was successful in securing a £3000 grant for The IT Centre. At the end of the year, having graduated with my Highers, The IT Centre was successful in a bid to The Holywood Trust to fund a part-time position for myself as the Refurbishment Technician working primarily on our ongoing Refurbishment Project which, in terms of devices processed, is fast approaching the 500 device mark in our three years working on the project, for which component costs are primarily funded by our YPI grant.

“I’d like to thank The Wood Foundation, The Holywood Trust, and The IT Centre for giving me this opportunity to build my confidence in customer service, and also increase my technical, and procedural knowhow through working in this small, and thriving organisation.”