MANX LOTTERY TRUST HELPS 1ST RAINBOW SCOUT GROUP’S DEVELOPMENT

Leaders of 1st Rainbow Scout Group, Ellan Vannin, will develop their skills with support from Manx Lottery Trust.

The group was set up to provide a fully inclusive Scout group for children with additional needs, and is now improving its service to accommodate a wider group of young people.

The funding of £2,400 provided through Manx Lottery Trust’s Smaller Grants Programme will be used to deliver a two-day mental health course for 20 leaders.

The additional training is essential for preparing the Scout leaders to effectively work with children with more complex requirements, such as mental health issues, seizures and Asperger’s syndrome.

Guy Thompson, Island Commissioner, said: ‘Manx Lottery Trust has been so kind with all the funding we’ve received and providing this level of training for our leaders is so important.

‘It’s great to see so many young people with additional physical and mental health requirements getting involved with us, and the skills and experiences they get within the Scouts can make a huge difference to their lives. While this is very rewarding for our leaders, we need to make sure they are equipped with the skills and training needed.’

Manx Lottery Trust Chairman Sarah Kelly added: ‘It’s a real pleasure to be able to provide further support to The Scout Association; they do wonderful work and all the leaders are very committed to the work they do.’

1st Rainbow Scout Group, Ellan Vannin, is part of The Scout Association which works with more than 700 young people aged between six and 25 in the Isle of Man. The association aims to develop key skills that will benefit them now and in the future, as well as providing fun and adventure.

To find out more about The Scout Association visit www.scouts.im, and more information on the 1st Rainbow Scout Group, Ellan Vannin, is available on its dedicated Facebook page.

Manx Lottery Trust’s Smaller Grants Programme is aimed at community projects for amounts between £300 and £2,500. For further information on the simple application forms visit www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes.