On Thursday, 6th March 2025, our pupils at Lathallan took to the stage for the Young Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Finals, delivering inspiring presentations to secure funding for charities close to their hearts. YPI provides students with a unique opportunity to develop leadership and public speaking skills while making a tangible difference in their communities.
This year’s competition was particularly special, not just because of the incredible presentations, but also because the entire event was organised by Gabby, one of our S6 pupils. Gabby took charge of planning, coordination, and ensuring everything ran smoothly – an amazing achievement and valuable experience that will serve her well in the future.
The Winning Charities & Their Impact
🏆 1st Place: Sunrise (£3,000 donation)
Represented by Jennifer, Claudia, Anaiyah, and Autumn, this team captured the judges’ attention with their passionate plea for Sunrise, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with mental health and suicide prevention. Their presentation highlighted the increasing need for awareness, intervention, and support services in our communities. The £3,000 donation will help Sunrise expand its resources and reach more individuals in need.
2nd Place: Forget Me Not
This team shone a light on dementia awareness and support, advocating for Forget Me Not, a charity that helps individuals and families affected by dementia. Through their powerful storytelling and research, they demonstrated the emotional and financial struggles families face, reinforcing the importance of early intervention, community outreach, and memory-support activities.
3rd Place: Montrose Men’s Shed
Our pupils showcased the importance of social connections and mental well-being among older men with their representation of Montrose Men’s Shed. This charity provides a space for men to come together, work on hands-on projects, and support each other in a welcoming environment—reducing loneliness and promoting mental health. The students’ presentation struck a chord with the audience, emphasising the value of companionship and shared purpose.
4th Place: Flourish
Flourish is an incredible organisation that supports young people dealing with mental health challenges, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and practical coping strategies. Our pupils passionately explained how Flourish empowers young individuals through creative activities, mentorship, and well-being support. Their commitment to advocating for youth mental health was truly inspiring.
A Celebration of Hard Work & Dedication
Beyond the winners, every single team put in an incredible effort, researching their chosen causes, meeting with charities, and delivering heartfelt speeches. The level of professionalism and passion displayed was outstanding, making the judges’ decision an incredibly tough one.
A huge thank you goes to Gabby, who did a phenomenal job in organising this year’s YPI event, handling everything from scheduling to logistics. Her hard work and leadership ensured the event ran smoothly – a fantastic experience that will undoubtedly benefit her in future endeavours. Another big thank you to Mr. Fernandez for his unwavering support of our pupils throughout the process, as well as YPI Scotland for making this initiative possible and encouraging young people to make meaningful contributions to society.
A Moment to Remember
One of the most emotional highlights of the event was when our pupils called Sunrise to tell them they had won the £3,000 donation. The reaction was priceless, reinforcing just how much these funds will mean to the organisation and the lives they touch.
We are so proud of all our students for their dedication, compassion, and hard work. The impact of their efforts will be felt far beyond the walls of Lathallan, making a real difference in our wider community.