The chief executive of a Dumbarton-based youth charity has praised her staff for completing a successful second year of delivering learning and development programmes in West Dunbartonshire.

Tullochan, which is based at Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, supported more than 1,000 primary two to seven pupils over the last school year in West Dunbartonshire, including at 15 schools across Dumbarton and the Vale.

The primaries involved were Knoxland, St. Michael’s, Braehead, St Patrick’s, Balloch, St. Peter’s, St Ronan’s, Aitkenbar, Braehead, Lennox, St. Martin’s, St. Mary’s, St. Kessog’s, Renton and Christie Park.

Each of the charity’s indoor and programmes had a broad focus on wellbeing, personal development, developing resilience and mindfulness to support pupils to overcome many of the challenges they face in school and in their lives.

Through these, pupils had the chance to take part in a range of activities, including John Muir Awards, RSPB learning, internet safety, transition to secondary education sessions, weekly after school clubs and parent-pupil sessions.

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June McDonald, Tullochan chief executive told the Reporter: “The second year of Tullochan programmes in primary schools really allowed our team to further strengthen the strong relationships they have made with pupils, families and schools.

“Our team have done an excellent job of supporting so many young people as they continue their education journey.

“We have received excellent feedback from every school which enables us to ensure our programmes continually adapt to meet the needs of each pupil.

“The new school year will, hopefully, see these partnerships continue to grow and further support the development of young people across West Dunbartonshire.”

The charity said that they have found that both their young people and schools have recognised an increase in positive engagement from the pupils through being exposed to a variety of different learning environments.

A parent, whose child worked with Tullochan, said: “I have seen a massive difference in my son. The video at the end of the block of sessions was amazing and emotional. He is more confident because of Tullochan.”

Tullochan’s weekly after school clubs have resumed following hte summer holidays, with activities including video games, pool, arts and crafts, movies and access to free wi-fi.

The sessions take place on Tuesdays from 3.30pm-5pm for primary pupils and on Thursdays from 6pm-8pm for secondary pupils at the Tullochan offices in the Broadmeadow Industrial Estate.

Follow Tullochan on Facebook and Twitter @tullochan to keep up to date with their latest programmes.