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Scotland

Youth and Philanthropy Initiative

The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is a school program giving students the power to make a real impact in their community.

Students research social issues, choose a charity to support, and present their case to win a £3,000 grant for their chosen cause.

Why choose us for your YPI project?

By supporting us, you’re helping over 110,000 people in the UK living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions – including over 9,000 people in Scotland. Your support can change lives by funding care, research and advocacy.

What is muscular dystrophy?

The muscular dystrophies are rare, progressive conditions that weaken and waste muscles over time. There are over 60 different types. There is currently no cure.

Common symptoms could include:

  • Muscle weakness, stiffness or pain
  • Difficulty walking or lifting things
  • Increased risk of falls
  • In severe cases, breathing or heart problems.

Our work in Scotland

We provide vital care, support and advocacy to help people live independently in Scotland.

All our work in Scotland is underpinned by our brilliant Scottish Council. This is made up of people living with muscle wasting conditions, families, and professionals. They ensure our work reflects the needs of communities across Scotland.

Our helpline

Our Scotland team supports over 300 people each year through our helpline.

Our helpline supports people who have just been diagnosed, those who care for them, and anyone who needs emotional support. They also help with finding local services, making homes more accessible, understanding benefits, getting financial help, and dealing with work-related issues.

Information days, support groups and peer support

Our information days bring the Scottish muscle wasting community together through events covering mental health, exercise, housing, and education.

“The sessions were all so informative and valuable for me; nothing is ever quite as valuable as connecting with others and feeling less alone as we navigate this journey.” – A past attendee.

We also offer peer-to-peer support, community meetups and group counselling sessions across Scotland.

 

Young persons support

Living with a rare condition can make it challenging to find others who truly understand. That’s why we offer peer mentoring specifically for teenagers with muscle wasting conditions, along with dedicated WhatsApp groups for support and connection.

We also work with the Teapot Trust to provide art therapy sessions for children and teenagers living with muscle wasting conditions in Scotland.

Accessible Sports Day

In partnership with Scottish Disability Sport we run accessible sports days for local children living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition.

The children can try different sporting activities, such as curling, powerchair football, boccia and swimming.

Campaigning for change

For over 60 years we have campaigned for people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions in Scotland.

Our latest campaign took us to Scottish Parliament, highlighting the 7,300 people living with muscle wasting or weakening conditions missing from NHS records and the need for improved healthcare access.

A researcher in a lab
Groundbreaking research

We’re currently funding 48 research projects to understand different conditions better and lead us to new treatments—all of which will benefit people in Scotland.

Three of these projects are being researched in Scottish universities.

Stories from Scotland

The real stories of people living with muscle wasting conditions in Scotland. Hear how we’re working to support them.

Phoebe’s Story

Vanessa and her daughter Phoebe live in the Shetland Islands. Sometimes they travel for two days to attend her appointments in Aberdeen.

Last year we took her story to Scottish Parliament. This year, we continue our fight for people in Scotland to be able to access appointments close to where they live.

Kim's story

Kim has been supported by our team for over seven years to navigate the complex care system in Scotland. We recently assisted her when her care hours were cut in half.

Kim also enjoys attending our Scottish support groups for practical help and emotional support from peers.

Stephen’s Story

Stephen is currently being supported by us to adapt his home. He hopes to have a ramp installed at his house in Dumfries.

How would £3,000 make a difference?

Your YPI grant will help raise the visibility of our community in Scotland and contribute to improving healthcare and services across Scotland. Your grant will help to change the future of muscle wasting conditions.

We will use it to:

Provide urgent support to families in need.

Your YPI grant could help us fund our helpline. This vital service assists the community in Scotland to:

  • Find local services
  • Make their homes more accessible
  • Understand the scottish benefit system
  • Get financial help
  • Deal with work-related issues.
Campaign for better NHS care in Scotland

Your YPI grant could help us continue to campaign the Scottish Government to:

  • Ensure all health boards track and share data on muscle wasting conditions to improve care.
  • Develop a nationwide plan to make sure everyone gets the same support, no matter where they live. So no one has to travel long distances like Phoebe’s family.
  • Employ expert advisers across Scotland to improve care for people with muscle wasting conditions.
  • Work with us to improve training for doctors and nurses.
Fund vital events and community resources

Your YPI grant could help us fund more events in Scotland like our information days and children’s disbility sports events.

They’re a great opportunity for people to meet others, get expert information and advice, and find out more about the services and support that we offer.

Choose us for your YPI

If you would like a resource pack or support materials for your project, or if you have any questions about YPI, please contact us using this form.

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Frequently Asked Questions

OTHER ways to get involved

Game On

Love gaming? Play alone or with friends, choose your favorite online game, or try something new. Minecraft, Fortnite, FIFA, Roblox—whatever you enjoy, you can play and help raise money.

Join gaming events, compete in tournaments, or set your own challenge. Have fun, play games, and make a difference.

Kiltwalk

Get your friends together and take on the Kiltwalk! Walk in tartan, have fun, and raise money for a great cause. Choose your distance and make a difference.

Teens aged 10+ can take part (with an adult if under 16). Sign up now.