SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Christina McKelvie, has said new funding from the Scottish Government will help provide targeted support for care experienced young people in South Lanarkhire.

South Lanarkshire has been handed £602,400 to invest in projects designed to boost the attainment of local care experienced children and young people.

The council will work with Chief Social Workers, and Directors of Education, to decide how this year’s funding will be used. Care experienced young people from birth up to the age of 26 are eligible for the support.

Across Scotland, the SNP Government has pledged £11.6 million to support the fund.

Commenting, Christina said:

“The SNP is determined to give all young people the best start in life.

“The challenges posed by this pandemic mean that the Scottish Government’s efforts to tackle the attainment gap are now more important than ever.

“That’s why I’m delighted to hear that South Lanarkshire will receive this funding boost to help break down the barriers faced by care experienced young people living in South Lanarkshire.

“Last year the fund was used to support a host of projects - from outdoor learning schemes, to providing looked after children with laptops to study from home.

“I look forward to seeing how the council will put this money to good use, and offer some of our most disadvantaged pupils the support they deserve.”