A CHARITY in Erskine has won funding for projects that will provide employment and enable young people to learn and play music in an industry-standard music studio.

Erskine Arts received funding through Celebrating Renfrewshire for two of its projects. 

It is among the winning projects that were unveiled for the fund which will see school pupils in Renfrewshire benefit from projects like access to free tennis sessions as well as alcohol and drugs awareness training for young footballers.

The 2024 round of funding saw more than 58 projects designed and submitted by young people aged 12 to 25 and community groups who work with that age group across the area.

Jason Watson, community development manager at Erskine Arts, said: “We are so grateful to all the young people who voted for us, both projects are going to make such a massive difference to the young people who attend our programme and hopefully attract new people to our charity.

“When we told our regular young people of our success, it was instantly clear how excited they all were with the news and their sense of self-achievement for having voted and encouraging friends to vote.

“The projects will give our young people meaningful ownership over our music space and allow some young people to start earning money whilst gaining skills in a working environment through employment with us, something we simply could not do without Celebrating Renfrewshire.”

Launched in 2019, Celebrating Renfrewshire empowers young people to make decisions that will benefit and enhance their local communities.

The fund was facilitated by Renfrewshire Council’s Community Planning and Community Learning and Development teams.

Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, young person’s champion at Renfrewshire Council, said: “Celebrating Renfrewshire offers local young people a real chance to choose what they think is most needed and to make a positive difference to their own, and their friends, lives.

“Young people are at the heart of this process and it’s fantastic to see young people across Renfrewshire bring their ideas to the table and receive their funding.

“I also want to say thank you to the young people who have given up their time to be part of the steering group.

“Your contribution is essential, and I hope you’ve gained valuable experience through the process that will help you in the future.

“Congratulations to everyone successful in gaining funding this year. I can’t wait to see this investment make a real difference to our young people and communities."