The funding was announced at the Bothwell Community Hub, with local MSP Stephanie Callaghan and South Lanarkshire councillor Maureen Devlin joining representatives from Persimmon to celebrate the award.

The money will support Bothwell Futures’ employability programme for the next two years, helping 80 local young people who have disengaged from education or are leaving school without a positive destination.

Stephanie Callaghan, MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, said: “This Employability Programme is a fantastic local support for our young people, and I was delighted to join Bothwell Futures and Developing the Young Workforce Lanarkshire as they were presented with a £50k Cheque from the Persimmon Foundation.

“This programme is a great example of successful grassroots work being carried out to support young people in finding their way as they move forward in life.”

Cllr Maureen Devlin said: “Congratulations to all involved, but mostly the young students who participated positively resulting in clearer pathways for their future.

“South Lanarkshire Council are delighted to continue to support this new and innovative way of supporting our young people into work.”

Kevin Moore, chair of Bothwell Futures, said: “Bothwell Futures and Developing Young Workforce (DYW) are delighted with the support from Persimmon Charitable Foundation over the next two years. 

“The programme is transforming for these young people because it not only helps them understand the diversity of job opportunities available to them, but it also prepares them for their life journey by working on the 15 Soft Skill Disciplines required in being an investable employee.

“Even more importantly the programme encourages an improvement in their self-esteem and their confidence as they start their career pathway.”

Anthony Vigor, chair of the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, said: “We launched our new open application programme to back brilliant local projects with a proven track record of impact – and Bothwell Futures stood out from over 800 applications for exactly that reason.

“They’re doing vital work to give young people in South Lanarkshire the confidence and support they need to take their next steps into work or further learning. We’re proud to be backing their efforts.”

Bothwell Futures was selected from more than 800 applicants to receive one of the Foundation’s first major donations through its new open application programme, launched in March.

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation will award two more £50,000 donations in September as part of the second round of funding.

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