DDF is delighted to provide continuing grant funding support for two very worthwhile causes in 2024 - Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI) and Positive Help - outlined below.
SCI
Children and young people in the UK today are suffering huge damage to their health and wellbeing due to the lack of outdoor play and activities or a lack of engagement and connection with nature. Compared to previous generations, children’s lives have sadly become incredibly restricted, sedentary and indoors-focused, undermining both their mental and physical health due to traffic-dominated neighbourhoods, poor urban planning, the proliferation of electronic devices and a lack of parks, green spaces and other accessible high quality natural spaces. SCI work at grass-roots level with community groups, disadvantaged families, young people and schools, focusing on nature connection, empowerment and creativity by learning traditional skills; helping communities come together and transforming waste. Their work develops skills such as mindfulness, meditation, creative writing and nature-based crafts, educating and encouraging people to live in a more sustainable way.
Positive Help
DDF will again help to fund the Study Buddies programme, which offers 1:2:1 support by volunteer mentors to children and young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians who live with, or are affected by, a parent with HIV/Hepatitis C, broadening their horizons and improving their life chances.
Helping to encourage young people to make positive life choices and to continue to stay engaged in study and education, the dedicated and supportive volunteer adult role models help to develop the young person’s learning and life skills. They also help to build confidence and provide tools to strengthen resilience in the face of difficulties at home.
Two very worthwhile education initiatives which help young people to stay on a positive pathway towards qualifications and employment.
