23-07-2025
Hamilton charity to benefit from STV Children's Appeal funding
Covey is one of 11 good causes across Scotland to receive support from the new Ignite fund
A Hamilton-based charity running a successful project improving school attendance is being supported for a second year by the STV Children's Appeal.
Covey – which stands for Community Volunteers Enabling You – is one of 11 charities across Scotland to be sharing in the appeal's newly launched £1 million Ignite fund over the next year, designed to support initiatives working with children and families and which tackle child poverty.
The organisation's Flourishing Families project provides one-to-one and group support during key school transitions such as the move from primary to secondary, working to improve school engagement through early intervention and working with the whole family.
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It supported 27 young people from 21 families with great success over the last school year, during which the project first received funding from the STV charity.
Covey chief executive Lee Johnstone said: 'Since partnering with STV Children's Appeal, our Flourishing Families project has made great strides in supporting young people and families across Lanarkshire with wellbeing, confidence and re-engagement in education.
'In 2024-2025, 92 per cent of young people reported improved school attendance, engagement or attainment, 100 per cent reported improved health and wellbeing, and 87 per cent of families reported stronger relationships at home; joining the Ignite Fund will help us grow our team and support even more families.'
Charities being supported by the new fund will also benefit from the Ignite Academy, offering access to STV expertise such as marketing, communications and creative, as well as helping to set goals and growth opportunities and networking with the other supported charities.
STV Children's Appeal head Natalie Wright said: 'We're excited to welcome Covey back for their second year of funding.
'We have always focused on ensuring the funding we give is well thought through and with a purpose, which is exactly what we are doing with the Ignite fund; our experience shows that a sustained approach to our partnerships gives real results which make an immediate and lasting impact to those who need it most.'
The appeal has raised more than £37 million since launching in 2011, making more than 2400 project awards, and is supported by the Scottish Government which provides £1m of annual match funding.
Covey recently earned the prestigious Investing in Volunteers award and celebrated their successes over the past year with a special celebration attended by charity service users and volunteers plus guests including supporters and funders.
