Cyrenians receives Essentia Foundation support

We are delighted to announce that Cyrenians has been awarded £250,000 by the Essentia Foundation to support our ambitious “All Our Futures” project — a vital two-year programme designed to re-engage young people aged under 20 who have become disconnected from school. 

 “All Our Futures” will offer weekly learning, skills development, and personal growth opportunities for around 300 young people across Edinburgh and West Lothian. These opportunities include hands-on learning in areas such as art, cooking, outdoor education, and accredited programmes like the Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards. Work related learning at locations including Edinburgh Zoo, our rural Green Skills Centre, and our professional art studio will also provide meaningful real-world experiences.

In addition to skill-building, the programme places strong emphasis on personal development — helping young people build confidence, develop positive relationships, and plan for their futures. A key strand of the project is youth participation, which gives young people a platform to raise awareness, influence policy and advocate for change based on their lived experiences.

The project was shaped directly by those it serves. Young people told us that mainstream education often left them feeling unsupported, misunderstood and unprepared for life. Many face challenges such as trauma, neurodiversity, care experience, and mental health struggles. “All Our Futures” offers a fresh, flexible alternative — one that lights a spark for learning and self-belief in those who’ve previously felt let down.

‘It is at significant transition points - such as leaving school, leaving home, leaving care, leaving hospital - that people are most likely to become homeless. Currently over 40% of our services are for vulnerable young people, many supporting them with the transition from school to a positive destination by helping them overcome isolation, build confidence and resilience and feel valued. Thanks to the Essentia Foundation for investing in the futures of some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities.’ 

Ewan Aitken, CEO Cyrenians

With this new funding, Cyrenians will continue to work with schools, social workers, CAMHS and local authorities to ensure young people know how to access the support they need. The programme’s impact will extend well beyond the two-year grant, laying strong foundations for brighter futures — not only for the young people involved, but for their families and communities too.

We’re incredibly grateful to Essentia for investing in this vital work. Together, we’re helping to ensure that all our young people have a chance to shape their future with hope, confidence, and purpose.