YPI is proud of its long-term partnership with the STV Children’s Appeal.

The STV Children’s Appeal will feature two YPI recipient charities in its annual telefundraiser broadcast on Friday 8 November.

Every penny raised by the Appeal helps make a real difference in the lives of Scotland’s children and young people affected by poverty. The Appeal champions innovative programmes that tackle the causes of financial inequities in Scotland as well as providing practical help such as food and warm clothes; creating opportunities for training and employability; and enabling social and emotional support for those who need it most.  

One of the inspirational charities featuring in the Appeal show is Bairnecessities which collects donated baby items and gifts them to low-income families.   

Young people from Mintlaw Academy won a £3,000 YPI grant for the Aberdeenshire-based charity in the last academic year. Thanks to the STV Children’s Appeal supported funds, Helen Feeney, founder of Bairnecessities, will be able to expand and better support families in need.  

She said: “Bairnecessities was delighted to be successful in the YPI grant. The young people who chose to represent our charity did us proud.   

“Since being awarded the money, we have been successful in acquiring a building to use as our headquarters and so the money will be spent on adapting the space to accommodate our needs and enable us to expand what we can offer the local community.”   

Another charity which was supported by both the STV Children’s Appeal and YPI was Leslie Community Pantry which provides food and essentials to those experiencing financial difficulties.  

Lennon, one of the pupils at Glenwood High School who won the YPI grant for the Fife charity, said: “I chose Leslie Community Pantry because they have done so many good things for not only us but the whole community and I wanted to give back.”  

When asked what he enjoyed the most about the YPI experience, Lennon said that having his voice heard and being able to make a change was the highlight for him.  

“I would like to continue to raise awareness in any way that I can possibly help with,” he added.  

Natalie Wright, Head of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “For over a decade, the STV Children’s Appeal has supported YPI, a fantastic initiative that empowers young people to support charities that directly represent the issues important to them. Over the years, thousands of families have benefited and countless young people have campaigned on behalf of the charities they hold dear. 

“As one of the Appeal’s core missions is to encourage young people to reach their full potential and have their voices heard, we share the same values as YPI, and our ongoing partnership has continued to transform lives across the country in 2024.”