We have recently formed as an independent SCIO and are seeking new Trustees to support our ambition to build the mental health and life skills of more young people across Scotland. We aim to place young people at the centre of our mission, so we are ensuring that we include young people with lived experience as Trustees and as part of a Youth Participation Board to guide us as we embark on this new and exciting stage in our development.
Growing2gether is the only programme in Scotland to pair disadvantaged young people as mentors to nursery children with social and personal challenges, combined with peer training in emotional skills to build mental health. The charity was developed by Diana Whitmore, MAEd, after three years’ consultation with young people, Highland Council, schools and parents, who highlighted a need for an intensive programme to support the mental health of Scotland’s children. Our robust evaluation proves that we have transformed the lives of many young people facing disadvantage, building their mental health, educational and community engagement and life skills.
“I hope everyone is as proud of me as I am of myself.”
– Programme Participant
Growing2gether was originally part of global youth charity Ecologia Youth Trust, and, since January 2017, we have reached over 1330 young people and children across the Highlands. Our ambition is to expand to other deprived areas including Dundee and Aberdeen. We train local school staff in skills to deliver the programme in the future with ongoing outcome evaluation and quality assurance provided by the charity. Through our partnership with High Life Highland, we train their Youth Development Officers, who work alongside school facilitators. This increases sustainability and helps the charity reach more young people. You can read out full 2022 outcome report here.
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“Every young person has unique potential and our role is to listen and to guide them with the respect and care they need to see this for themselves. The innovative, remarkable experience of giving back to their community and seeing that they can make a difference to another child’s life, builds lasting self belief and helps them recognise their skills. We believe in the power of relationships to create an everlasting impact. Because the young people have created the change in themselves, in the safe world of a supportive group, it sticks.”
– Diana Whitmore, CEO, Growing2gether
As a Trustee you will be directly supporting this pioneering work in Scotland. Young people struggling with disadvantage and poor mental health are often seen as a problem that needs fixing. This leads them to doubt their abilities and potential. We are particularly looking for people with skills in finance, human resources, networking, funding connections and partnerships. Overall we want people whose heart is in the right place and have a passion and desire to support young people who deserve a better life. If you are interested in joining a small but impactful charity please contact: admin@growing2gether.org.uk
Take a look at our video below where Diana talks more about the Trustees we are looking for and the difference you will make for young people.