Many of the children and young people we support face challenges with limited safety nets. Everyday costs that many take for granted — food, toiletries, phone credit, clothing, activities — can quickly become overwhelming.

The Young Person’s Fund allows our staff to say:

“Yes, we can help with that.”

Right at the moment, a young person needs support.

Sometimes, £5 is all it takes to remove a barrier and prevent a crisis.

Why the Fund Exists

Many of the children and young people we support face challenges with limited safety nets. Everyday costs that many take for granted — food, toiletries, phone credit, clothing, activities — can quickly become overwhelming.

The Young Person’s Fund allows our staff to say:

“Yes, we can help with that.”

Right at the moment a young person needs support.

Sometimes, £5 is all it takes to remove a barrier and prevent a crisis.

History of the Young Person’s Fund 

The includem Young Person’s Fund was set up in 2011 to provide extra support to the children, young people, and families we work with, many of whom are affected by poverty and don’t always have access to things that many of us can take for granted.

Frontline staff were meeting more young people who needed urgent help with small but important things — food, phone credit, clothing, transport, essentials, or the chance to take part in positive activities — yet had nowhere else to turn.

The Young Person’s Fund is there to make sure every child, or young person gets the extra support they need.

How the Fund Helps 

We use the Young Person’s Fund to provide:

1. Food & Wellbeing

• A hot meal when the cupboard is empty.
• Emergency food support.
• Basic groceries to get through the week.

Sometimes £5 means dinner tonight — and that can change everything.

2. Communication & Staying Connected

Phone credit so young people can:

• keep in touch with college or employers
• stay connected with their includem worker
• access help in moments of crisis

A £5 top‑up can be the difference between missing an opportunity and moving forward.

3. Essentials for Daily Life

Everyday items that support confidence and dignity, including:

• toiletries and hygiene products
• laundry costs
• travel
• clothing for college, work or special occasions

£5 can remove one small worry — and sometimes, that’s everything.

4. Building Confidence, Skills & Belonging

Support for opportunities that help young people feel included and hopeful:

• sports clubs and activities
• swimming lessons
• clothing or kit needed to take part
• short training courses
• equipment for education or work
• community activities that build connection

This is where £5 opens a door, helping young people explore their interests, grow in confidence, and feel part of something positive.

Our Impact So Far 

Since 2020, we have invested over £121,000 directly into supporting children, young people and families across Scotland.

This funding has helped provide:

• hot meals and emergency food support
• phone credit for staying connected to education, work and support
• essentials such as toiletries, clothing, laundry and travel
• sports participation, swimming lessons and wellbeing activities
• training courses, educational equipment and skill‑building opportunities
• community groups and activities that reduce isolation and boost confidence

These are not “extras” — they are the building blocks of stability, opportunity and independence.

Behind every one of these moments is a simple truth:

small contributions add up to life‑changing support.

And for many young people, it starts with £5.

Fundraise for the Young Person’s Fund

If you’d like to make an even bigger impact, you can fundraise to support the Young Person’s Fund.

Every sponsored walk, bake sale, workplace challenge, school fundraiser, or community event helps us reach more young people — and remove more of the barriers holding them back.

Whether you raise £5 or £500, every pound goes directly to young people who need support, stability and opportunities.

Learn how to start your own fundraiser here.

Your effort can spark opportunities, open doors, and help build brighter futures.

Watch the video below to hear from Nicola Galloway, one of our Team Managers, as she explains more about our Young Person’s Fund.

£5 removes one small worry.

And sometimes that’s everything!

Help us say YES when it matters.