North Highland Initiative Supports Youth Highland’s Bright Ideas Project
At the North Highland Initiative (NHI), we’re excited to support Bright Ideas, an inspiring new project led by Youth Highland. This initiative is designed to empower young people across the Highlands to develop innovative, sustainable social enterprises that will benefit their communities for years to come.
About Youth Highland: 40 Years of Impact
For four decades, Youth Highland has been at the forefront of youth work in the Highlands, offering professional, community-based programmes that help young people thrive. With 53 member clubs who deliver 150 regular youth work sessions, Youth Highland reaches nearly 6,600 young people. Their Voluntary Youth Network (VYN), launched in 2017, was a bold response to funding challenges, focusing on community empowerment and collaborative change. The Bright Ideas Project is a vibrant extension of their work.
What is the Bright Ideas Project?
With funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, The Gannochy Trust, and NHI, Bright Ideas will support 12 youth-led projects over the next three years. The programme will work with four youth groups each year, guiding them to dream big, plan creatively and launch projects that blend fun, entrepreneurial spirit and sustainability.
How will it work?
Each year, Youth Highland will collaborate with four youth groups, selected through an application process. These groups will be supported to design, plan, and deliver their own innovative projects.
By cultivating peer-to-peer support and collaborative learning environments, a robust framework for youth-led initiatives that align with regional employability programmes will be developed.
Through a dedicated Youth Work approach, the project will support young people to achieve tangible outcomes, ranging from Youth Achievement Awards to a suite of skills-based qualifications and certificates, that pave the way for lasting success.
Why Get Involved?
The Bright Ideas project is more than just about developing innovative community projects; it’s about empowering young people to be leaders and change-makers. This initiative helps young people develop essential skills such as project management, leadership, and teamwork, all while boosting their confidence and enhancing their employability.
In a region where many communities are remote or isolated, Bright Ideas serves as a catalyst for connection. By encouraging creative collaboration, it fosters stronger community bonds, increases local awareness, and inspires active engagement across the Highlands.
Through this project, young people will not only have their voices amplified in local decision-making but will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of their communities. Their ideas and actions will drive sustainable, positive change, benefiting both themselves and the wider region.
Ready to Turn Your Dream into Reality?
If you have a youth led project or idea that needs support, the Bright Ideas project is the perfect opportunity to bring your vision to life. Apply Now and join us in shaping a brighter future for the Highlands!
The application process will close on the 25th August.
We’re proud to support this inspiring initiative and look forward to seeing the incredible impact these young innovators will have across the North Highlands.
