A funding programme is giving young people a chance to lead change in their rural communities.
The Youth Impact Fund, now in its second year, is open to individuals aged 16 to 30 who live, work, or volunteer in rural areas of Stirling, Clackmannanshire, or Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
The fund is managed by the Forth Valley and Lomond Youth Local Action Group (YLAG), a youth-led organisation focused on empowering young people to drive positive change in rural communities.
Ben Walker, a YLAG member, said: "The Youth Impact Fund is a great opportunity for young people to influence, support and grow their local rural communities.
"The fund opens opportunities for rural youth to explore new ideas and have a positive impact on their community.
"As a YLAG member, there is an immense sense of satisfaction in putting in the work to get the fund running and then seeing all the successful projects that are funded from it.
"The fund is incredibly valuable and is something that I hope others engage with and benefit from for a very long time to come."
The Youth Impact Fund offers up to £500 for individuals running their own projects and up to £2,000 for collectives, groups, or youth organisations.
It supports initiatives that address key challenges facing young people in rural areas, including mental health, skills development, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
The 2024 funding round supported 11 projects, each designed to make a positive impact in the community while helping participants build skills such as leadership, teamwork, budgeting, and public speaking.
Chiara Fingland, another member of the YLAG, said: "I’m delighted to have had the chance to be part of the YLAG and help shape a fund that supports young people across the Forth Valley and Lomond area.
"From the beginning, our goal was to create a fund that not only enhances rural opportunities across various themes but also empowers individuals and groups to take the next step with their ideas and initiatives.
"The YLAG remains committed to supporting the next generation of changemakers across our Forth Valley and Lomond area.
"I’m excited to see the diverse and innovative project proposals that will emerge in the upcoming funding round."
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