Findhorn-based Growing2gether's founder Diana Whitmore and operations director Gavin Morgan have joined forces in the roles of co-chief executive officers

A LOCAL charity working to empower young people has employed two new leaders.

Findhorn-based Growing2gether's founder Diana Whitmore and operations director Gavin Morgan have joined forces in the roles of co-chief executive officers, aiming to benefit even more children and teenagers throughout the north.

Diana confirmed their new roles started in January.

She said: “Through this shared role, we wish to stand side-by-side, supporting Growing2gether’s expansion beyond Highland into Moray, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Dundee."

Part of Findhorn-based youth charity Ecologia Youth Trust, Growing2gether also became a charity in 2022. Its nursery mentoring programme targets disengaged teenagers and children aged 4-6-years-old with additional support needs.

For half-a-day-a-week over 18 weeks, Growing2gether staff trained in positive psychology take teenagers into primary/nursery schools. Each teen becomes a mentor and role model to a specific child. Whilst on the programme, the young people can gain a Level 4 SCVQ in Personal Development (Self in Community and Self Awareness).

Growing2gether’s second initiative, ‘Growing2gether Community’ offers three elements: the Youth Social Action programme (YSA); Youth Participation Board; and Young Leaders skills training.

YSA is youth-led and gives young people the opportunity to work together as a team, identifying an issue then designing and delivering a project that addresses it in partnership with other members of the community. This builds the confidence, emotional health, employment and life skills of participants who have disengaged from education.

Growing2gether trains young people as Young Leaders to work alongside its experienced facilitators to co-deliver YSA projects.

The Youth Participation Board gives young people a voice on issues that concern them, informing Growing2gether's trustee board.

Growing2gether's 'Outcome Evaluation Report 2017- 2024' demonstrates that its intervention nursery mentoring programme is effective for increasing young people’s self-esteem, mindset, sense of connectedness, engagement and wellbeing.

Diana has over 37 years’ experience of working with young people facing disadvantage. Gavin is the vice chairman of the Community Learning and Development (CLD) Standards Council registration committee. He also spent six years with Who Cares? Scotland and has over 25 years’ experience across public, private and third sector organisations.

The pair have worked closely for a year, increasing the Growing2gether's reach to young people facing disadvantage through its projects.

Diana finished: "Working with our shared ethos, vision and values alongside our skilled staff, we will actualise our mission to serve young people who deserve better.

"We are passionate about enabling young people to realise how precious they are, how much they have to contribute to the world, and to develop the skills to make positive choices for their lives.”

For more information visit https://www.growing2gether.org.uk/