Losing access to a vital transport lifeline almost put the brakes on outreach work with young people who come into contact with police, or who are at risk of offending or being excluded from services in part of Edinburgh.

Now Pilton Youth Children’s Project’s (PYCP) bespoke youth programme is back on the road, offering positive experiences and opportunities for young people to make a meaningful difference to them and the communities where they live.

PYCP’s FACE North programme has been running for five years, delivering solid results, particularly in reducing youth crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as increasing education attendance and engagement and positive destinations.

PYCP had use of a minibus which enabled it to deliver important facets of the programme – but this good work was thrown into jeopardy when the plug was pulled on funding.

Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation stepped in to assist, covering the minibus purchase, as well as associated travel costs, insurance and driver training.

Midnight and Beyond sessions provide a focus outside the young people’s normal environs, setting off in the minibus with project workers during key offending times of 10pm-3am for diversionary experiences and activities

James Riordan, alternative to crime worker for the Pilton Youth Children’s Project (PYCP), said: “Without ongoing access to transport to run elements of our programme, there was a real risk of young people returning to criminal and anti-social behaviour. We’ve got our new minibus on the road and we can do some vital work in the area.”

Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments, added: “PYCP plays an important role in its community in its work with children which is supporting young people to realise their potential and play a positive role in society. Transport has been a fundamental part of being able to roll out programmes to make an impact, and we are pleased the project will be able to continue operating all its existing sessions, and will be able to widen its scope, by having its own minibus.”