Shetland’s Baltasound Junior High School, the most northern school taking part in the YPI programme, has shown exceptional commitment and creativity in their fundraising efforts this year.

Through engaging events such as a community concert and a school sleepover, the students raised significant funds for local charities while gaining valuable life skills. 

Concert for Ability Shetland 

One group of proactive students – Eli, Casey, and Jamie – chose to support Ability Shetland, a charity dedicated to helping people with disabilities. Inspired by a meeting with the charity’s team leader, they organised a concert for the local community.  

The trio took on the entire event planning process, from designing posters and advertising in local shops and online, to inviting local acts to perform. Their efforts culminated in a successful event that raised more than £800. 

The students reflected on their achievement: “We were very proud as there were many positive comments about the night and we raised a surprising amount of money even though we are a small school and small community. 

“Trying our best to help this charity made a huge positive effect on our confidence and organisational skills.“ 

Sleepover for Mind Your Head 

Another group of students – Dannielle, Anna, Molly, and Grace – chose to support Mind Your Head, a mental health charity. Understanding the importance of mental health awareness, they organised a fundraiser sleepover aimed at both raising funds and promoting mental well-being. 

The sleepover featured various mindfulness activities, including a bracelet-making station, a spa and facial area, board games, darts, pool, and a giant game of hide and seek in the dark. 

The pupils, who were thrilled with the outcome, said: “The sleepover went incredibly well, everyone had fun and enjoyed the different mindfulness activities that we provided. 

“We wanted to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health so that people struggling with their mental health know where to get help.” 

Lead teacher’s comments 

YPI has been delivered at Baltasound Junior High School for nearly a decade. During that time, pupils have built a greater awareness of the third sector and the need for charities throughout the world, says YPI Lead Teacher Caroline Hunter. 

She added: “Importantly, they are also exposed to the need for charities at a more local level as it is often the case that pupils are not aware of the activity of some charities close to home. 

“Being able to reflect on the need for charities and then identifying close links with one builds empathy, communication skills and a passion to help make a difference. 

“Working with a team of likeminded peers, with the same values, allows them to develop skills of leadership, initiative and creativity in researching and presenting. 

“There is always an improvement in confidence after they spend time delivering small presentations to their class group and progress to bigger audiences 

“I love watching as they feel the pride and achievement in delivering their final presentations. They really embrace the process as they can see the benefits to their local community which gives them more ownership of their learning.” 

YPI school community partner in Shetland 

Aaron Priest, Stakeholder Manager at Arven Offshore Wind which is one of YPI funding partners, said the company was proud to partner with The Wood Foundation to support YPI in all Shetland secondary schools. 

He added: “A particular highlight was learning about the exceptional efforts of the Baltasound Junior High School students who participated in the YPI final. They went above and beyond by organising a concert and a school sleepover to raise money to support their chosen charities.  

“Our sponsorship of YPI not only highlights our pride and confidence in young Shetlanders’ ability to identify and address community needs, but also aims to empower Shetland’s young leaders to combine skill, hard work and passion to positively represent charitable initiatives in the community. 

“Arven is committed to fostering sustainable development. Through initiatives like YPI and others that we support, we can encourage the positive influence of Shetland’s young people and make a meaningful impact in the community.”  

About YPI 

YPI is an active citizenship programme managed and majority funded by The Wood Foundation. Since 2008, more than £7.6 million has been granted to charities. This year, the national programme engaged pupils from 280 Scottish secondary schools who raised £840,000 (£3,000 per school) for causes close to their hearts.

Through their participation in YPI, Baltasound Junior High School pupils have demonstrated outstanding initiative and community spirit, serving as a model for other schools. Their creative fundraising activities not only generated significant support for their chosen charities but also highlighted the power of youth engagement in driving positive social change.