The work of a programme benefitting young people in Aberdeen has been showcased in a national film.
Produced by Amity Films, the film reflects the impact of the Transforming Futures programme – launched by charity End Youth Homelessness in 2016 and funded by the H&M Foundation.
Through their work with social enterprise Aberdeen Foyer, they have helped support 136 young people in the city to access employment, education and training opportunities.
In Aberdeen, staff are able to deliver a specialist employability scheme which includes a bursary scheme aimed at breaking down financial barriers facing young people in accessing education and employment.
“Having an #apprenticeship has broadened my horizons & allowed me to work for a qualification while having a fulltime job @OnePeterson. I will be forever grateful for the experience & opportunities that have come my way through Peterson & @aberdeenfoyer.” Ryan Taylor #ScotAppWeek pic.twitter.com/svDr2vRr01
— Aberdeen Foyer (@aberdeenfoyer) March 5, 2019
To celebrate the success of the achievement of the Transforming Futures programme, a film has been made reflecting the journeys of three young people.
The film follows Dean, Sophie and Jess, three service users who were able to improve their lives after finding work.
Nick Connolly, managing director of End Youth Homelessness, said he was “hugely excited” about the film’s release, adding: “It shows how vital the Transforming Futures Programme is in helping young people escape homelessness for good.”
And Leona McDermid, chief executive of Aberdeen Foyer, hopes the project will continue to grow and support more young people in Aberdeen.
She said: “Over two years, with the support of H&M Foundation through End Youth Homelessness, we have been able to make a difference to 136 young people – many of whom had multiple barriers making it very difficult to start training or get into work.”
Some of the support has been as simple as providing bus passes or bikes to get to work, and purchasing equipment for a college training course that opens up the door to work.
Ms McDermid added: “In one case, a young man is now accessing a course in agriculture at college in Aberdeen, because the bursary enabled him to acquire a tractor driving licence and start work on a farm.”