![• [Left-to-right; from back row]: Stevie Baxter (Independent Living Support Worker); Nicola Melvin (Groups Support Worker); Mhairi Kiernan (Employability Support Worker); Craig Hoy MSP; Lynne Anderson (Education and Employability Coordinator); Emma Scarcliffe (CEO); Natasha McInninie (Practice Manager); and Grant Hamilton (Personal Development Worker)](/sites/www.craighoy.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_large/public/news-gallery/%28Left-to-right%3B%20from%20back%20row%29%20Stevie%20Baxter%2C%20Independent%20Living%20Support%20Worer_0.jpg?itok=bNhAsSNf)
CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has praised the work of Bridges Project in Musselburgh after a recent visit.
Bridges Project provides education, housing and employment support to young people from across East Lothian and Midlothian.
During his visit, Craig met 18-year-old Kai Duff from Prestonpans who has recently started working for Midlothian’s Sure Start family learning centres across Midlothian. Kai recently received an award for upholding Preston Lodge High School’s value of respect and is currently studying a HNC Childhood Practice course at Edinburgh College.
Bridges Project aims to help young people take their next steps in life, such as returning to school, finding a job or an apprenticeship or getting the help they need.
This can include support in handling issues related to substance abuse, homelessness or educational attainment.
Craig Hoy MSP commented: “I was honoured to visit the Bridges Project in Musselburgh and learn first-hand about the tailored support the project is providing to young people from across East Lothian and Midlothian.
“During my visit, I learned of the rising referrals for young people due to isolation related issues from growing up during the Covid pandemic.
“It is vital that support is provided to young people at an early stage to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved.”
Emma Scarcliffe, CEO of Bridges Project, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Craig to Bridges Project for him to hear about the work we do to motivate and inspire young people across East Lothian and Midlothian to make successes of their lives. We were delighted that Craig was able to meet the incredible staff and hear directly from them what they do on a daily basis to empower young people. We were also thrilled that Craig met Kai who is now one of our Young Ambassadors. Our thanks to Craig for making the time to come and see us and learn more about what we do”
Referrals can be made online at: https://bridgesproject.org.uk/makeareferral and donations can be made from: https://bridgesproject.org.uk/donate
