Carnoustie High pupils excel in support of local charities

The winning team of Ewan Arthur, Blair Cargill, Harry Edwards, Nathan Miller with members The Attic staff and the judging panel.

The group’s presentation outlined the inspirational efforts of the youth support workers at ‘The Attic’ in supporting young people that face a range of domestic challenges.

It provides a safe, caring and nurturing space where youngsters between the ages of 12-25 years can socialise and engage with a varied programme of enjoyable and relaxed activities.

The £3000 will be used to enhance provisions such as game consoles, furniture and football equipment.

YPI is an active citizenship programme supporting young people to make a difference in their communities through causes about which they care deeply.

After a rigorous selection process, six teams from the whole of second year were chosen to compete in the competition, which took place in the school’s theatre on recently.

The teams gave presentations to an independent judging panel on charities as diverse as the Ninewell’s Community Garden; Maggie’s Centre, Dundee; The Angus Foodbank and Monifieth Befrienders.

Many of the teams had chosen to fundraise or collect items for their chosen charities in advance of the competition final, with activities including tombolas, raffles and the collection of foodbank items and toys.

Dr Kirsty Mustard, YPI lead teacher and principal teacher raising achievement said, praised all the teams for their superb efforts.

She said: “This is our fifth year of involvement with YPI and, as a result, pupils have directed over £16,000 to local charities, either through YPI grants or their own fundraising.

"Every year I am blown away by the talent of our youngsters. All the teams worked so incredibly hard to raise the profile of their chosen charities. The school is incredibly proud of all their achievements. The judging panel had such a difficult choice to make.

"I’d like to extend my congratulations and many thanks to all the charity representatives and teachers that supported these pupils through their YPI journey.”

YPI is the flagship initiative of The Wood Foundation.

Its UK Director Ali MacLachlan said: “Congratulations to Carnoustie High School’s winning team for securing funds for The Attic.

"YPI is all about empowering and engaging young people to understand their role within their community and the ways in which they can make a difference while developing their own personal life skills.”

More than 200 schools in Scotland have committed to delivering YPI this academic year.

Since it was launched in Scotland by The Wood Foundation in 2008 it has empowered more than 230,000 young people to make a difference in their communities, granting in excess of £5m to local charities addressing a range of social issues.