A SCOTTISH charity which works with disadvantaged young people in East Ayrshire says it’s facing a constant battle against the “relentless” challenges of poverty and trauma.

The Scottish Sports Futures organisation (SSF) supported more than 1,300 young people, including many across Ayrshire, through delivering creative, community sports programmes.

Chief executive Kirsty McNab said: “It’s really challenging for lots of vulnerable young people at the moment trying to find their way in life and by far poverty and trauma are their biggest battles.

“We provide food and health packs at all our sessions but dealing with poverty is relentless and places so many barriers to things we take for granted every day.

“We are frequently told by young people that we’re the only people who care about them and that’s a terrible position to be in.

“Our programmes provide a safe space and tailored support which provides hope and a sense of belonging, which in turn leads to increased confidence and behaviour change.

“It’s fantastic to see the positive change in young people but the poverty related attainment gap needs to be urgently addressed.”

Ms McNab added: “The success of our programmes is based on listening and is very much down to the delivery by young people who understand.

“We have just appointed a dedicated child protection and wellbeing manager and are looking to support practitioners, schools and organisations to help support as many young people as possible.”