A CHARITY’S work in providing education, housing and employment support to young people across East Lothian has been praised by a visiting MSP.

Craig Hoy visited the Bridges Project in Musselburgh and heard about its work.

During his visit, the South Scotland MSP met 18-year-old Kai Duff, from Prestonpans.

The teenager has recently started working for Midlothian’s Sure Start family learning centres across Midlothian.

Kai recently received an award for upholding Preston Lodge High School’s value of respect and is currently studying an HNC Childhood Practice course at Edinburgh College.

Mr Hoy said: “During my visit, I learned of the rising referrals for young people due to isolation-related issues from growing up during the Covid pandemic.

“It is vital that support is provided to young people at an early stage to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved.”

Emma Scarcliffe, CEO of Bridges Project, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Craig to Bridges Project for him to hear about the work we do to motivate and inspire young people across East Lothian and Midlothian to make successes of their lives.

“We were delighted that Craig was able to meet the incredible staff and hear directly from them what they do on a daily basis to empower young people.”