A transformational project developed by Forth Valley College has been successful in receiving funding from the fourth round of the Falkirk Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
The funding award will enable ‘Brighter Future’ to continue to support additional support needs students with their mental health and wellbeing, through the provision of a Youth Hub based at FVC’s Falkirk Campus.
At the Brighter Future Youth Hub – run by Additional Support Workers Ewan Aiken and David Gentles - small groups of Additional Support Needs (ASN) students come together and socialise through activities in an informal setting. These activities can include arts and crafts and external local visits to the Kelpies and the Helix – all designed to be supportive and create a safe space to discuss any health and wellbeing issues.
An exciting development to the project this year will also see individuals with learning disabilities and lifelong support needs from Carrondale Care Home benefit from a bespoke programme of learning. All of the activities within the project are designed to improve confidence, increase social interaction and reduce feelings of isolation which can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing.
The Falkirk Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, which was created by the Scottish Government in 2021 and managed by CVS Falkirk is now in its fourth year. FVC’s Brighter Future project was one of 41 projects to successfully receive funding with a total local investment of £426,000.
Eloise Wilson, Partnership Development Manager, CVS Falkirk and District, said: "CVS Falkirk and District have managed the Falkirk Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for the Falkirk District area since it began, and have been pleased to be able to support Forth Valley College to deliver a range of activities aiming to improve the mental health and wellbeing of local students. Following a successful application to the most recent round of funding, we look forward to hearing about the difference this makes for the student community."
Pauline Jackson, FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager, said: “We were delighted to be one of the 41 local organisations awarded funding through the fourth round of the fund. The project activities are a crucial part of promoting positive mental health and wellbeing and the funding ensures we can continue to develop these over the next 12 months.”
Additional Support Worker David Gentles, said: “The funding will enable the continued delivery of the Brighter Future Youth Hub, which is targets at students with additional support needs between the ages of 16 and 25, providing a safe place to socialise, make friends and meet new people out with class time. The project aims to promote positive health and wellbeing, providing support, in a relaxed environment.
“We are also thrilled that the funding will allow for the launch of a new project called ‘Moving On’, which aims to provide training opportunities for individuals with life limiting conditions. Working with Carrondale Care Home, we will provide a tailored course to meet the needs of the residents, promoting the development of new skills, social interaction and providing a pathway into future learning. The course will be delivered by Lecturer Kerry Kay and will be supported by Additional Support Worker Linda Campbell.”
Ewan Aiken, said: “Every student from Lifestart and Workstart courses from all three campuses are invited to attend. These small sessions are excellent for the ASN students as this allows them to have time in College that is not based in classrooms and around work, but instead time spent liaising with their classmates, and even students who they have not had the chance to meet from different campuses.
“The Brighter Future Youth Hub was very successful previously when it had been run, with high attendances and many of the students thoroughly enjoyed their time there. We are hoping that some of the previous attendees who are completing their second year return.
“The Youth Hub has been a great experience for the students who have attended over the past two years. They have been given a chance to mix with different classes from outside their department including Health and Social Care and Childcare students which has helped students from the ASN classes get a rough idea about what they can do after they move on from Workstart. Hopefully we can get more students from other departments involved this year to make an even more inclusive place for students to collaborate and socialise.”
Anyone needing more information on the Youth Hub should contact: youth_hub@forthvalley.ac.uk
