networksThe Journal for Youth & Children Workers in Lothian Summer 2008

YWCA have the ‘Y’ Factor page 12 Latest News OPINION PIECE

Residentials a No No! You would think that with the plethora of Scottish Government targets that relate to children's health and the like, that getting kids into the outdoors would be positively encouraged. Well not if the recent experience of two after school groups locally is anything to go by. A joint venture to take children from their clubs for a few days residential to enjoy the great Scottish outdoors has been kyboshed by the Care Commission! As a matter of precaution the clubs contacted the Commission to advise them only to be told that they were not covered for residential work and therefore they would breach their registration. It was a "No go" for the kids. The Commission's rationale was that there are no inspection regimes in place Summer Fun from LAYC for residential activities centres and those that are undertaken are informal and for TOPS Sports & Activity Bags youth groups (who are not regulated by Have you ever looked in your The contents of each bag is different, the Care Commission.) equipment cupboard and though some of the activities include; But hang on there is a regulating body - "Wouldn't it be good to have some the Adventure Activities Licensing new stuff in here?" Maybe LAYC can Xpress Yourself Authority (AALA) who work in tandem help you… e.g. dance, jive, salsa, with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Over the last year or two cheerleading, martial fitness These bodies do carry out inspections Leisure and LAYC have been running and issue licenses to outdoor activity TOPS Sports & Activity courses for all Xercise Highs providers. our members. These sessions e.g. skipping, hula, oppy relays, Perhaps the Commission should get showed you how to run games, wake 'n' shake, circuits together with them and co-ordinate their activities and sports using some of the efforts. things you'll find in TOPS bags. Xtra Time We owe it to the children and their TOPS bags which are (sponsored by e.g. small-sided games, families to offer a stimulating and health Sainsbury's) are full of sports, games parachute, Frisbee conscious programme. To do so is not and play equipment which link in with only right, but is actively encouraged by the TOP Play and TOP Sport Xtreme Challenges governments, local and national. For the programmes. These can form a e.g. circus moves, Care Commission not to be able to deal sporting pathway along which young tri-golf, rock-it-ball with groups wanting to take children on people can progress according to properly organised and planned their age and development. All their residentials to properly licensed and programmes and activities are fully You don't need any particular sports regulated venues seems to be a significant accessible to young disabled people expertise to run the activity sessions oversight and perhaps displays an attitude and feature resource cards to give just be prepared to get stuck in and of the Care Commission that needs to you session ideas and tips. have some fun. change. Otherwise we will deny children LAYC have 4 TOPS bags which you If you're interested in finding out more in after school provision the chance to can borrow for a month at a time. about the TOPS bags have a look in take part in a rich and varied programme They are free to borrow - the only the TOPS page which is in the Core of activities. catch is your group needs to be a Services section of the LAYC website. current LAYC member and you'll Or better still give us a call, come need to come and collect your bag - down to the office and try some of and bring it back again. the activities out. page 2 Latest News

City Youth Work Strategy News

Cashback 10-18? Sign up to CashBack now to get all the info on free stuff to do in your area - direct to your mobile! CashBack uses millions of pounds seized from criminals to fund exciting projects all over - from football training to music, rugby to acting, there is something for everyone. And it's totally free! You'll get a weekly text with Copies of the Draft Strategy can be updates on what's on in your area downloaded from www.layc.org.uk and once a month we'll send you and www.eywc.org.uk. Consultation the latest CashBack video. Sign surveys can be completed online too up now by texting cash back to Not with a banger … but or pdf and hard versions of the 61611 or check out with croissants, juice, fruit, Consultation Response Form can be www.cashbackscotland.com. downloaded for you to complete. The first video messages are yoghurt (and a bacon roll if being sent out now so get you wanted one!) Strangely, even before the involved! The first text will cost Consultation was launched a bundle 4.5p - but all text updates and The start of a three month of leaflets was pushed through the video updates are absolutely free! consultation around drawing up a letterboxes both of LAYC and the Please make sure that the adult Youth Work Strategy for the city was Scouts (who were hosting the launch) you live with is happy for you to launched with a breakfast seminar at sign up. the Scout Centre in Valleyfield on which seemed to be a contribution to Saturday 7th June 2008. the debate about youth work in the city. From the Press The Edinburgh Youth Work 'Children & Young People Now' in Consortium were pleased that The leaflets posed a difficulty for LAYC and EYWC…. they were their 7-13th May issue highlighted Councillor Marilyne MacLaren was 'Parkour' or 'free running' - that able to attend the seminar to see the produced on red paper (which as you thing that features in adverts (and enthusiasm and commitment on will all know is almost impossible to 'Casino Royale') where people get display from the youth workers who photocopy from). They were also over obstacles in their surrounding attended. unattributed - some would say environment (walls, buildings, you "anonymous" - which always raises name it). It is apparently getting EYWC has produced a Draft Strategy the question of working out what the really popular with young people … and you know what's holding to provide a framework for people's intention behind the leaflet was. In comments. But it was made clear that people up from helping to meet the spirit of openness and the demand? Currently there is what was being looked for was full encouraging free expression on the 'no national governing body' like and frank discussion about the issues priorities for youth work the leaflet there is for football or rugby. for youth work in the city by those was made available to those youth There's 'a lack of professional who are already involved in delivering workers at the launch and a copy guidance' and no 'network for qualifications that you can go services to young people and who given to Councillor MacLaren. will be crucial to making sure that the through in order to lead an activity'. 'Parkour is not officially final agreed Strategy will stand a recognised as a sport'. chance of being implemented. The Looks like we all need to spend a EYWC is looking for as many people few years getting these things in active in youth work in the city to get place (sitting round tables at engaged in the consultation and give endless meeting more like!) so we their views. Get your colleagues can all lend our support to young involved and the young people you people then! Just a couple of work with too! years to get the proper structures set up - get places for young The Consultation closes on 29th people to do what they do but in August 2008 and Draft properly planned, organized, Strategy will be presented to Cllr supported venues where they want to be … Just like MacLaren in the Autumn. we did for skaters/ boarders/ bikers? page 3 The Muirhouse Way

MYDG Rewind 10 years - Stories & Memories

Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG) is the umbrella organisation administering the 4 youth groups in Muirhouse: St Paul's, The Klub, The Junction and the Don Bosco. This year sees the combined number of years of existence of these groups as 90! We are proud of this history and to be one of many groups in the area that focus on the needs of young people. MYDG is always changing to stay true to the needs of local young people, growing in this flexible way over the past 30 years. This allows the organisation to be responsive but makes it difficult to neatly describe 'the history' of MYDG. So, to find out more about the impact of MYDG's way of working we hosted an event to get young people, management committee members, staff and volunteers that have been involved with The Klub, The Junction, Don Bosco and St Paul's to tell their stories. The day The role of MYDG was seen as going Perhaps, one of the most significant was one of shared laughter that left beyond the immediate experience to things to come out of the day was the the organisation with some key shaping lives; through career importance of the creation of messages… opportunities such as volunteering memories, as one person said "we and training. This included should be working hard to still be MYDG plays a dual role in the lives opportunities to be youth workers creating memories". And that is what of young people through their two within the organisation but also the MYDG intends to do. strengths: local work and residential role of the youth workers in raising work. People who had been MYDG is just one of the youth work aspirations, encouraging responsibility providers in the area, we all have involved in MYDG as young people and being role models. (and often then as youth workers) stories and memories to share, we had a sense of ownership over the Of course, the memories also hope that you can see something of clubs as a place to be themselves included activities that "backfired". your own experience of youth work What came out from these stories in the memories shared at MYDG within the community. Whilst, the was what was learnt from them and Rewind! To find out more about residential trips and foreign that MYDG will work with any young some of the youth work in Greater exchanges were talked about person no matter what has Pilton, look at MYDG's new website enthusiastically as 'escapes', places happened, as one youth worker said: www.mydg.org.uk to try out new behaviours and new "we show respect to them as a things. Vicky Plows, MYDG Management person but may not respect all their Committee member The everyday experience of being a actions". part of MYDG was valued, not This is just a snapshot of the different because of 'fancy activities' but

www.layc.org.uk ways being involved in MYDG has because of the relationships that impacted on the lives of people, and developed, as one person said it equally how the people involved have was "something I cared about and shaped and continue to shape the people who cared about me". work of MYDG. page 4 Childrens Work

Gradings Are Here News Summer Puppet Fun! As you might imagine a series of Flotsam and Jetsam Puppets are issues emerged from the Seminars offering puppet-making not least being the level of time workshops to out of school clubs required to complete the self and playschemes again this assessment! What was also clear was Summer. These workshops have the need for more practical support. become a regular fixture for If in the meantime you need some many groups over the past few further information check out the Summers. They offer a fun mix Care Commissions website of storytelling and puppet- (www.carecommission.com) or making. The children make many phone us at LAYC. crazy and fantastic characters: monsters, aliens, fairies and The seminars were the first joint amazing wand-weilding, special effort from a grouping that comprises power super-hero inter-galactic The relentless march towards of LAYC, City of Edinburgh Council space spiders! The experienced assessing everything that moves, (Early Years Team) and the Scottish puppeteers who lead the indeed even things that don't, took Pre School Playgroup Association. workshop can fit any character another significant step recently. A practical follow up session is being into the story! And the workshop finishes with the The introduction of 'gradings' into organised by this group for mid September. It is hoped to bring some children putting on an instant the Care Commission inspection energy-filled puppet show. from this April has major of the groups who took part in implications for those groups, pilotting of the self evaluation to talk Flotsam and Jetsam workshop particularly After School Clubs, who to colleagues from After School Clubs leaders have fifteen years experience of performing and are registered with them. and playgroups about how they found the new process (and to find out if teaching with puppets. They are To help groups get a better they have any tips and used to working with children in understanding of what this is and how recommendations for other groups a wide variety of settings. They it's supposed to work, a series of who have yet to have recieved their are also happy to work on jointly organised seminars 'Grading is letter from the Care Commission and particular themes through Coming' were held in April. With go through the process for the first puppets (for example recycling over 40 people attending, the level of time). and environmental themes). interest reflected their need for more Remember that LAYC is always Please give Ailie a call on: information and support. interested to hear from After School 0131 662 9834 or e-mail: [email protected] The Care Commission led the Clubs about the various issues that for more details. sessions with a detailed input which they are facing currently - apart from covered the rationale, how grades the issue about residential trips raised were assessed, the framework of in the "Opinion Piece" of this edition, quality themes and the evidence recent queries from clubs have been required. around things like additional requirements around child protection Based initially on an online pre policies being asked for by some inspection self assessment and other officers. evidence gathered during the inspection process, grades are Remember …"It's good to talk!" awarded against service performance. It's also good to write! Why not The grades which are from 1 to 6 (1 let "Networks" know about some being unsatisfactory and 6 excellent) of the good work that is going on are given for each of the Quality out there in After School Club themes. These are Care and land ? We hear bits and pieces when you come on our courses Support; Environment or Information; so why not write an article for the Staffing and Management; and next issue of "Networks". Leadership. Within each of the Or tell us what you would like LAYC themes they are broken down into to feature in future issues. Give specific quality statements. The Graham at LAYC a call on 0131 667 Quality themes are informed and 1828 or email: [email protected] relate to the National Care Standards.

page 5 Child Protection . . .

Keeping Young People Safe on the World

Social networking, broadband, megabytes, instant messaging, download speeds, drivers, access privileges - the list of computing terms is endless. Whether or not the words mean anything to you is one thing, but if your club has access to the internet you'll need to start to understand what's going on in cyberspace. So how much do you know? Young people are involved in; z Social networking z File sharing z P2P TV z Blogging z Gaming z Chatting What do you know about all of these? Do you know what risks they can present to young people? Do you know the benefits these can have for young people? A lot of the Here are some suggestions to help you develop your own above list can be done over a mobile policy on young people, computers and the internet phone so just switching off the internet at your centre isn't really the Stay public Have the computers in Be wary if a young person becomes answer. public places in clear view of secretive about their internet use. The safety of children and young everyone. Make sure young people always people on the internet is an issue Encourage them to talk about use nicknames on social networking that's never far from the front pages. their online friends Check that the sites, and ensure they never, ever So even if you're a technophobe and young people can name the give out personal information over don't know your monitor from your individuals on their instant messaging the internet - even if they know the keyboard you'll need to start and social networking 'friends' lists - if person at the other end. You never understanding what all the concerns they can't then you need to know who else might be watching. are about. investigate further. Don't leave your computers on The safety of your computer can be Do your homework Familiarise when they aren't being used - they under threat from viruses, spam and yourself with terminology and the can still send and receive data (and hijackers (which can take over the basic language used by young people waste electricity). control of your computer) but you on popular websites. Ask the young Keep your anti-virus and anti- can generally stop these with people to show you around. spam software up to date There software. But making contact with Communicate Speak to the young are some good free ones and some people over the internet can put people about the potential dangers on even better ones that you have to individual safety at risk and can only be the internet, and agree basic ground pay for. All of them have automatic prevented by being careful about who rules for use. update functions so make sure it's you talk to and what you tell them. Be cautious of e-mails Encourage switched on. There are a wide range of filters and the young people not to open Find out yourself Probably the best software which run in the background attachments from unknown sources way to learn is to go and explore the of your computer that can help you as they can contain viruses or internet, social networking sites, blogs check and control the use of the pornography. and so on. Maybe the young people internet by children & young people. Watch the clock Limit the amount you work with will be able to teach Numerous programs exist like Net www.layc.org.uk of time young people are online, and you an thing or two - but remember Nanny or WebWatcher, most of encourage them to take part in other to think about your own safety as which have a cost attached, but they social activities away from the well. cannot be a substitute for you computer. monitoring access to the internet, chat rooms and messaging services. page 6 . . and the Internet

Wide Web News

LEGISLATION Useful Resources Disclosure Checking

There are lots of sources YouthLink Scotland recently carried out an online survey of information to help around The Protection of you make the most of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act the internet - most of it is which is set to change the process for vetting adults for child online. Listed below are protection purposes. This will just a few of the ones replace the current disclosure we've found helpful. checking system (as operated under the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act) with a Vetting and Barring membership scheme. A key objective is to simplify the Think U Know - put together by the Software process so that those working Child Expoltation And Online Examples of internet filtering & with children and vulnerable Protection Centre (CEOP). Guide to monitoring software; adults on a regular basis, will only internet safety and safe surfing for z www.netnanny.com need one full police check on young people from Think U Know. entering the work force (or when z www.webwatcherkids.com Learn about online safety when using moving from the old disclosure blogs, chatting, online gaming and A search on the internet will find you system). much more. There are great lots of others - if it's free you will There is an expectation that resources on these sites. usually find this can be for a trial when taking up subsequent z www.thinkunow.co.uk period so you might need to pay positions the worker will be z www.ceop.gov.uk considered to be a ‘scheme member’ and will only require a People you know 'short scheme record check' for Click Thinking - Internet Safety employers to see if any new advice from Scottish Government. Ask around - if you're not a techie information exists on police Some of the follow up links on this get some advice before you buy records about them. The Central Barring Unit, created by the site are out of date - but it has some anything or if you're unsure about good ideas for policy & practice. legislation is set to commence things. Don't forget to ask the young operating in 2009 and the new Nothing significant on social people first - you might be surprised networking but the ideas they style of checking will begin at that at how much some of them know. point. describe can all be used. LAYC - we might be able to help you z www.scotland.gov.uk/clickthinking During the progress of the Bill think through your own issues over through Parliament, the voluntary how computers are being used within sector extracted some Kidsmart - a practical Internet safety your group but we can't help you concessions which, it was agreed, advice website for school . Mainly with setting up software or computers would be removed from the geared up for schools but some useful (some of us can barely switch them original bill and consulted on as tips and ideas. on!) part of secondary legislation. z www.kidsmart.org.uk Remember - the internet, technology We are currently awaiting the and what's popular with young people response to the Government's are constantly changing - so you'll consultation on PVG, and current guidance on POCSA still applies. Childnet International - is a need to review what you have non-profit organisation working with available and the safeguards you have The Government has recently others to help make the Internet a in place on a regular basis. released some Supplementary great and safe place for children with Guidance on making referrals to lots of useful information on their the Disqualified from Working website. Let us know here at LAYC what's with Children List and a new z www.childnet-int.org happenning in your group - Have you referral form, which should be negotiated your own policies with used until the new scheme comes Other websites worth a visit include: young people? What problems have into existence. z www.bbc.co.uk/webwise you encountered if you have tried to LAYC will continue to monitor z www.chatdanger.com set up your own web presence? Drop developments and z www.iwf.org.uk an e mail to: [email protected] keep groups informed.

page 7 Edinburgh Leisure

Energize this Golf Coaching I'm bored Whether you'd like to learn the basics There's nothing to do or polish the finer points of your No-one ever thinks about us game, we've got the course for you. Ah, the all too familiar war cries of From April-October Edinburgh our disenchanted youth. Well, we Leisure's Golf Coaching Programme thought it was high time we turned runs at our custom-built golf school at Everybody Dance Now those cries of boredom into cheers of Craigentinny Golf Course and offers Give me a C, give me an H, give me joy. So a few of us from the classes for children 8+. For those an E, give me an E and give me an R! Marketing and Sports Development between 8-11 years you can attend Yes, cheer as Edinburgh Leisure departments of Edinburgh Leisure our Junior Coaching class, where launches cheerleading sessions for locked ourselves into a room, under the guidance of a PGA only £1. barricaded up the doors and Professional, you'll learn all you need Funded partly by a Girls on the Move promised not to leave until we had to know to get started in the grant, Edinburgh Leisure is delighted come up with a product that would wonderful game of golf and receive to bring you our girls cheerleading truly entice and excite the youths of valuable coaching tips to get you Edinburgh to get involved in exercise. programme taking place at six of our topping the leaderboard in no time. There's so much competition fighting venues across the city (Ainslie Park for the attention of 11 - 17 year olds, Our Youth Coaching classes for those Leisure Centre, Crags Sports Centre, be it cinemas, television and aged between 12-17 years offer a Gracemount Leisure Centre, Jack computer games, that we had to find chance for up-and-coming golfers of Kane Sports Centre, Leith Victoria a different approach to entice young all abilities to receive some first class Swim Centre, Meadowbank Sports people into exercise. So, we decided tuition from a PGA Professional. Not Centre). that adopting a policy of 'if you can't only is it a good chance to improve Targeted at girls who are more likely beat 'em, join 'em' would be a far your game but also a fantastic to wear heels than trainers, our better approach than going it alone. opportunity to meet other golfers of a similar age and ability. Both our Youth recreational cheer programme aims We got in touch with Cineworld, to introduce participants to stunting, Tenpin Bowling, Edinburgh Dungeons & Junior coaching classes run for 1 hour each week over a 6-week dancing, cheering and chanting as part and Juiced Up to see if they'd like to of a fun and recreational session. join us in our quest to combat the period. Know some girls that would like to evils of boredom. And the answer For those of you who want to learn a come along? Check out Edinburgh was a resounding YES. bit quicker why not take advantage of Leisure's website They offered some tip top benefits, one of our Golf Summer Camps? Pick including £1 off any cinema visit, the a week during the summer break and (www.edinburghleisure.co.uk) or 2nd game of tenpin bowling free, come along to our golf school for 2 phone Shelagh Jackson on 0131 652 15% off the bill at Juiced Up and free hours each day in either the morning 4337 for more information and get entry to the Dungeons. Along with or afternoon and receive some first them involved. this, Energize card holders get every class coaching from a PGA Edinburgh Leisure also launched its 5th visit to our gyms and golf courses Professional. It's guaranteed to be a brand new Dance programme in for free and they'll enjoy regular fun week and you can spend the rest January 2008 offering a variety of promotions and awards for most of the summer fine tuning your game classes from Under 5's through to visits. Everyone will receive regular on one of our six golf courses. older adults. For all those teeny e-newsletters to keep them up to date with all things health and fitness For more information on any of our boppers and funky little movers why and the new promotions we'll be golf programmes please visit our not try our Boogie Babies, Creative starting. And to differentiate the card website: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk Dance or Little Jazz (3-5 yrs). For from the rest of our membership those aspiring to be in the next cast of offers, we decided to package it like a High School Musical why not try snap fax and make the card a key fob either of our Musical Theatre or - less chance of them losing it (or so Street Dance classes. we're told) www.layc.org.uk For more information check out the For more information on Energize website or contact visit: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk Samantha Langstaff : or phone 0131 652 2178. [email protected] BE WISE - ENERGIZE or phone 0131 652 2178. page 8 Your Practice

Anti Social Behaviour News

Indeed, the project believes that Amber - making time people are and will continue to make to talk positive contributions to the wider community, becoming and developing On 29th May at 6VT – The City as active experiential consultants and Youth Café, The Cyrenians and partners in taking action. SACRO were delighted to launch their DVD ‘Having that difficult Utilising these themes as significant bodies in combating social exclusion conversation’. Launched by Ewan there is an unstinting commitment to Malcolm, Director of the Scottish employ learning as an agent of social Mediation Network, the short change. film show cases the work of the Amber Mediation Service and For some families and young people features families who have this social change came through worked with the project to identifying that the legislation Are there problems with people's resolve conflict and improve surrounding Anti Social Behaviour, behaviours nowadays? Or is it the ABCs and Parenting Orders was in family relationships. Copies of the same old issues dressed up in a their opinion confusing and vague. DVD will be sent out to different way? Is there a thirst, or Indeed, the original idea originated individuals, Voluntary Agencies indeed a hunger to demonise/ from a family in Craigmillar whose and Local Authorities interested criminalise certain ways of behaving young person had been affected by the in homeless mediation services. and in fact a desire to target specific legislation and they were keen to hear The film will also be used as a groups? Are there new problems and what support services were out there. tool for attracting young people risks associated with living in and their families who may wish On attempting to clarify some of the contemporary communities or indeed to use mediation but would like a preoccupation with behaviour, issues that they faced, the legislation became more complex, so in order to to know more about what it coupled with an exaggerated sense involves. that certain people are out of control? illuminate the relevant topics and with the assistance of funding acquired from Falling out or having arguments at This sense of moral panic regarding Portobello and Craigmillar home can be an inevitable part of people and their lifestyles may not be Neighbourhood Partnership, 'A Rough growing up but sometimes the without a reason; it is not a simple Guide to end the confusion' booklet stress and strain of it all can lead figment of our individual imagination, was born. to young people leaving home in but may be frequently exaggerated by a hurry without having the chance others to crank up a culture of fear The booklet offers the reader a clear to think it through. Amber offers and uncertainty. Within this culture, and concise outline of what types of certain terms and stereotypes behaviours are deemed as anti social, the option to young people, associated with anti social behaviour gives you a low-down on Parenting mums and dads and anyone else have reared their ugly heads in Orders as well as individual views, in the family to have that communities today. What are people ABCs information, backed up with opportunity to talk things out, doing today that their behaviour information of where you can receive hear the other side of the story comes under the microscope? Why advice/support and some hot websites and come to an agreement on then are peoples life's and their to complement peoples knowledge. what the next step should be. lifestyles becoming ever more Whilst the booklet concentrates on Mediation is a well established scrutinised and what can be done to Anti Social Behaviour and the support process for resolving reverse the perceived negative 'spin'. services which are on offer in this disagreements in which an At Café K, a voluntary youth work geographical location, the booklet can impartial third party (the project based within the Jack Kane easily be adapted for area specific mediator) helps people in dispute Community Centre located in the support services located within other to find a mutually acceptable Craigmillar area, the organisation areas of the city. resolution. attempts to navigate through the If you would like to receive a copy or Mediation - helping people to behavioural quagmire whilst working indeed talk more about this issue then have a difficult conversation. alongside individuals and groups who please feel free to contact Emma may be deemed as 'anti social' (and Kyles/Scott Fraser on 0131 657 1595 For more information please get in that's just the staff!). or visit our web site on www.cafek.org touch with: Viki Phillipps Support Co-ordinator, Amber e-mail: [email protected] web site www.cyrenians.org.uk phone: 0131 475 2493.

page 9 EYWC

Edinburgh Youth Work Consortium

6VT Becomes 6VG The introduction of vetting of adults in youth work had compounded the Dot Horne from 6VT - Edinburgh new fears and illustrated most tellingly City Youth Café was recently how these had been captured by honoured when she received her institutionalising them. Over a third of award as runner up in the Youth the adult population was now Worker of the Year Awards. disclosure checked which in reality The presentation, by Margaret produced an illusion of protection. McLeod, Policy and Information This fear that being young in itself is Manager at Youthlink Scotland, took viewed as being vulnerable put in place at the start of the Consortium's place a chain of reaction that recent 'Risk Seminar'. inevitably led to an approach where The recognition was part of Youthlinks young people were seen as problems National Youth Work Awards needing to be dealt with. Everything launched earlier in the year. from sex to drink and friendship to Dot's work at 6VT spans a wide You Say Risk . . . gambling were seen in that context. spectrum of innovative practice over We Say Opportunity A plethora of agencies had now been the Youth Café’s history and was created to 'deal' with this crisis richly deserved. The topic of risk is one that creates inherent in young people. Youth continuing debate and disagreement workers had become unwitting Gambling Training a in youth work circles. Introduction of accomplices in this new regime. Winner increasing regulations fanned by the Bound by new procedures and other likes of child protection and forms of regulation decisions The chance to benefit from some disclosures, has created at worst a previously taken using professional training on offer from TACADE using culture of mistrust and at best an judgements were now governed by newly produced materials on unwillingness to challenge perceived policies that are often designed problem gambling targeted at young risk awareness. mainly to protect institutions rather people was quickly grabbed. With this hot issue, the Consortium than young people. With the TACADE Chief Executive organised a recent Seminar entitled He concluded that some institutions Martin Buczkiewicz flying up from 'Youth Work - A Risky Business?' to and public bodies such as local down Manchester way it was explore some of the underlying authorities had made safety an important to maximise the time themes. Attended by over 80 youth "absolute"- taking prime importance available. So two back to back 3 hour over anything and everything else. sessions straddling a teatime were set workers it proved a lively topic. up at the end of April. Leading the Seminar was Dr Stuart This approach went along with Waiton, Criminology Lecturer at labelling young people as "vulnerable", The result was over 40 youth being distrusting of agencies and workers attending the training and Abertay University and Director of Generation Youth Issues, an workers who took a different view taking away the two accompanying labelling them as "irresponsible". Who, independent research and resource packs "You Bet!" and "Just Stuart asked the audience to consider development charity. Another Game?" whether anyone actually benefits from And the training itself? The feedback Stuart has been a critic of the "cotton this increased fear of risk and paranoia from evaluations was excellent with wool kids" approach whereby about safety? Was it really something over 95% scores of very good or concerns about 'risk' overwhelm the which was good for young people? good. other rights of children, families and The seminar concluded with a panel EYWC is keen to continue the local communities. This 'culture' also discussion chaired by EYWC Chair relationship with TACADE and contributes significantly to the shifting Simon Jaquet with contributions from alongside LAYC will be seeking to perception of children and young Willy Barr, Citadel Youth Project; Dr stock the various resource packs that people as a 'threatening' and Iain Fyffe, Moray House; Margaret they produce. We will also be 'problems' to be dealt with. McLeod, Youthlink Scotland; and exploring other workshops we could Examples of policies on Santa Claus Jackie Stewart, Senior CLD Youth potentially be putting on in not allowing children to sit on his Worker for the City Council. www.layc.org.uk conjunction with them. knee or the introduction of a 'no Finally thanks go to Stuart, Moray touching' policy for youth workers in House who hosted the event and the a Scottish local authority were sighted panel members who contributed to a as the consequences of accepting this significant debate for the youth work approach. sector. page 10 Your Practice

The Big Project News

Youth Music Initiative Informal Sector fund

The Youth Music Initiative (YMI)'s The BIG Project in Informal Sector fund re-opened Broomhouse is leading an for 2008-09 on 1 April. The exciting songwriting project deadlines for large grants (£5,001 -£30,000) are 7th July and 6th for 10-15 year olds, supported October 2008. Progranmmes by an award of £25, 826 from should run for between 6 months and two years and 10% minimum the Scottish Arts Council's partnership funding ,in cash is Youth Music Initiative. required. 2007-08 was a busy but The BIG Tour and BIG Album Project Recordings of The BIG Tour gigs will successful year for the YMI in aims to build confidence, self-esteem, create a compilation album, to be general and the Informal Sector motivation and self-discipline through launched in Edinburgh in October fund in particular. Almost £1.9 music making, songwriting, rehearsals, 2008, with young people from all million was requested from the performance and recording three projects coming together to fund and we were able to award opportunities led by Edinburgh-based celebrate and hear each other's £725,647 to over 50 songwriter Kim Edgar songs. organisations. (www.kimedgar.com). Competition for the fund is high David McDonald, Youth Music 10-15 year olds from Broomhouse but we still want to hear from Manager at the Scottish Arts Council, and the surrounding areas have everyone with a great idea for already taken part in singing, commented: creative music making which aims songwriting and keyboard workshops. "This is a really exciting project that to widen opportunities for young Guitar workshops will follow in May. offers young people a range of people. We're looking for opportunities from creative programmes that involve high Now, in the second stage of the quality and sustainable activity in songwriting, working with professional project, there will be five intensive any musical genre. Songwriting Workshops in musicians, performing to making a Broomhouse, Livingston, and CD while also providing young Applications for Small grants of between £500 and £5,000 have Ardnamurchan for 15 young people trainees with their first steps to no deadlines and have no in each of the locations. gaining experience of the music minimum length of programme. Collaboration and communication industry. Again 10% partnership funding in between the young people across The project also creates a valuable cash is required Scotland will be supported by an on- opportunity for young people to WHO CAN APPLY? line songwriting forum at communicate and make connections www.burnsong.com. with their peers from other areas Any organisation working in the informal sector who wants to Young people in each area will work through a songwriting network. I look programme musical activity for towards performing their songs forward to hearing the results." backed by professional musicians young people can apply. This including Karine Polwart, Mattie To hear the results of the young includes local authorities but remember that Instrumental Foulds and Future Pilot AKA. people's creativity, mark Friday 15th August in your diary, and come along Services who receive the YMI Four Music Trainees (aged 14 -18) are to enjoy the songwriting talents of Formula Fund are not eligible to helping to lead the workshops, apply. young people in Broomhouse - as develop their own music and youth- work skills. They will join the band on part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! HOW TO APPLY The BIG Tour - a three-date tour Details are as follows: Application forms can be found from 14 - 16th August 2008, with a Friday 15th August 2008 (7 pm-9 pm) on the general Scottish Arts local gig in Livingston, Broomhouse The Music Box, Stevenson College Council funding pages. Bankhead Ave, EH11 4DE and Strontian where the young If you need any help or advice songwriters will perform with the Tickets £10 (available from 9th June contact Jennifer McGlone at band. The Music Trainees have 2008) Box Office: 0131 226 0000 [email protected] recently been short-listed to receive Purchase online at: www.edfringe.com .uk or ring 0131 240 2466. an award for outstanding volunteering in the category of Innovation from the Lord Provost on 5th June.

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YWCA Roundabout have the 'Y' Factor when it comes to supporting a Good Cause

Having seen the shocking images on T.V. and getting regular reports from World YWCA on the developing crisis in Kenya, YWCA 'Roundabout Girls' in Edinburgh decided they needed to help raise money for YWCA Kenya who have been on the front line in supporting Quotations from the girls Forth Lodge women and children most affected "I can feel the pressure" (Special Needs Unit) by the crisis. "It was a lot of work, but completely The Scout Association in Edinburgh Having heard how the conflict has worth it!" is pleased to announce that disproportionately impacted on the "I was buzzin!" following an investment of almost lives of women and children they "Come next year" £150,000 to improve facilities, agreed that there was no better way Forth Lodge is once again available to celebrate International Women's for occupation. Forth Lodge is a Day than to hold a fundraising event The YWCA 'Roundabout Girls' group self contained Special Needs Unit and have some fun while they were are aged between 12-16 and meet available for groups of young at it. The 'Y Factor' was born, their every Friday 6-8PM at the people with special needs and their own self-styled talent show, no Roundabout Centre, Gayfield Place. carers. It is located within the celebrity panelists need apply, their Outdoor Scout Centre at Bonaly The girls plan their own programme, judges would encourage and inspire on the southern outskirts of which has recently included all contestants. Edinburgh. challenging racism peer education In less than a month, the group had workshops, DVD-making, henna The accommodation can cater for up to 24 people in small rooms and found a venue, publicized the event, hand painting and Nepalese and has been extensively refurbished to planned a home-baking stall to add to Chinese cultural exchange evenings. the fundraising and identified over a improve the lifting and handling and dozen acts to entertain their guests. Many of the young women who are bathing facilities for our guests and For a number of the girls, this was in over 16 have applied to volunteer their carers. The unit has a large addition for studying for the prelims. with Roundabout's Intercultural and dining room / activity room, Anti-discriminatory Summer School, kitchen and is for self catering On 7th March, the eve of groups. International Women's Day the 30th June - 25th July 2008, to be Our two toilet areas have been Capacity-building Project venue in held at Drummond Community High completely rebuilt. We have also Niddrie quickly filled up with guests School. taken the opportunity to refurbish and some very talented young This project has provided anti- all the accommodation by painting women. Act after act of music, dance discriminatory activities for children throughout the building and and song brought the audience to aged 5-12 and girls and young renewing the carpeting. We believe their feet, as the judges and women only aged 12-16 since 1968 these improvements meet the 'clapometer' struggled to identify the and YWCA Roundabout are modern standards required by our winners. Eventually, the honours particularly keen to recruit guests and their carers however we went to the 'Bindi Babes' and Sarah enthusiastic, reliable and committed will always welcome further and Scarlett. volunteers. If you can volunteer suggestions. The evening was a fantastic example between 9am and 4pm for these Further information about the of how good things can be achieved dates, please do get in touch. activities available on the site and globally by local action from inspired access to local amenities can be young women. Over £270 was For more details please call Emma or obtained from Barry Johnston who raised by the sheer determination and Laura on 0131 556 1168 or find out is the resident manager of our leadership of the group members. more at: Bonaly Outdoor Centre on 0131 The money will go directly to YWCA www.ywcascotland.org/where/ 441 1878. www.layc.org.uk Kenya and will provide significant help roundabout.html. If you would be interested in more to women and children affected by information, please call Alan the crisis. Willoughby at the Edinburgh Scout Centre on 0131 229 3756 or email on area- LAYC, Dunford House, 7 Boroughloch Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9NL [email protected] page 12 Tel. 0131 667 1828 Fax. 0131 667 9862 E-mail: [email protected] Networks is published quarterly by LAYC. Views expressed in Networks are not necessarily those of LAYC. Lothian Association of Youth Clubs (LAYC) is a registered Scottish charity, No. SC009193