Comment from Kirsten Urquhart on tackling the impact of poverty and inequality on Scotland’s young people

We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government to support young people facing barriers to their attainment, by developing our models further in communities across Scotland.

At Young Scot, we are delighted to be continuing our National Strategic Partnership with the Scottish Government as part of the refreshed Scottish Attainment Challenge. Over the past few years, in collaboration with key partners across Scotland, we have worked to successfully develop innovative ways to use the Young Scot National Entitlement Card and Young Scot services to help young people living in poverty.

We’ve been doing this by working with Local Authorities to deliver practical, local entitlements to young people. These include local information, travel tickets, out of school food provision, access to leisure and extra-curricular activities, and help to reduce the cost of the school day. These are all known to improve health and wellbeing – drivers to improving attainment, reducing inequality, and challenging poverty. All young people in Scotland have access to the free Young Scot National Entitlement Card and offering extra entitlements, which are accessed using the card, is a discreet and non-stigmatising way of supporting them. 

Most importantly, we have received feedback from young people who have told us that this work has made a difference in their lives. It has supported them to feel confident, explore new opportunities and reconnect with family/friends. Throughout every phase of this work, young people’s expertise, insight, creativity and sense of fairness have been crucial, taking account of their lived experiences, aspirations, needs and circumstances. We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government to support young people facing barriers to their attainment, by developing our models further in communities across Scotland.

Kirsten Urquhart, Chief Executive (Interim), Young Scot