Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has expressed her delight as West Lothian Council is set to receive £541,000 from the Scottish Government to encourage children to play and socialise as part of the recovery from the pandemic.
The Scottish Government has set aside £15m to support summer activities across Scotland, and West Lothian will receive a share.
The support will specifically target those under 25 from low income households that may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays.
Additionally, £5m will also be distributed among prominent Scottish children’s charities such as Barnardo’s and Who Cares Scotland.
Fiona commented:
“I am absolutely delighted that young people and children in West Lothian will benefit from this funding by the Government. Young people and children have experienced significant disruption to all aspects of their lives because of the pandemic and have missed out on socialising and playing sports they love.
“Young people have told us that their mental health is a priority when recovering from the pandemic, and the SNP Scottish Government has listened and is investing in summer activities as a result.
“This funding will have a positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of West Lothian’s young people which is of vital importance as we recover from the pandemic.”