Autumn 2003
The Journal for Youth & Children Workers in Lothian
CONTENTS
Snippets Youth Scotland - Stacks o’ Packs
News LAYC Director Moves On
Policy The ‘Don’t Care’ Commission
Healthy Respect Chlamydia : The Facts
Project Update Launch of an Edinburgh Youth Council West Lothian Edinburgh Leisure GO4IT Summer Holiday Young Scot's Programme 2003 Mission EYSIP The Capmpaign Continues Incredible West Lothian's Provost Joe Thomas Training unveiled Inveralmond student's Fiona South Asian Youth Greer's winning entry in a special Culture Training Success presentation to launch the all new West Lothian Young Scot logo. Snippets Innovative Project for Page 6 Young Disabled People - Lothian Centre for Intgrated Living
News Bridges Project - Web Group Launch
News Healthy Respect Citizen Y Training LAYC AGM Chlamydia is the most Celebrating our youth, Planning for Real and Nancy common curable promoting their gifts, talents using the arts in Ovens MBE sexually transmitted and success's is exactly what consultation with Memorial infection and is on the Citizen Y is giving you the children and young Lecture rise within the UK. opportunity to do. people. Page 3 Page 5 Page 9 Page 10 Snippets
Youth Scotland - Stacks o' Packs Underground Youth Scotland Over coming months LAYC affiliated groups 55 Albany Street, Edinburgh Conference will be getting a practical demonstration of Underground has joined forces with Practical Problems the benefits of being part of a nationwide Caledonia Youth to offer a Sexual Health Sensible Solutions 2003 - Youth network of youth and children's groups. Clinic every Wednesday from 1.30pm - Scotland's part time and voluntary youth During September groups will be receiving 3.30pm. The clinic is a satellite point for workers national training event is again copies of 'Up and Running - supporting the Caledonia Youth, offering the same range being held during National Youth Work development of quality youth work'. of services and staffed by the same nurse, Week at the Hilton Edinburgh Airport Also in September a re-vamped and Mhari. Hotel on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November. Offering the chance to take expanded 'Safe and Sound' will be landing The clinic at Underground offers free part in 4 workshops from around 12 key, on your doorstep. The 'Safe & Sound' pack condoms, pregnancy testing, starting the topical issues such as Youth Participation; will also be highlighted on the internet - pill, emergency contraception and info and Mental Health; Challenging Behaviour; check out the links at advice relating to sexually transmitted Young People and Alcohol; Child www.youthscotland.org.uk - but only infections and general chat about Protection; and Maximum Fun, Minimum affiliated groups will get the packs with their relationships. very 'user friendly' (because they've been Resources; the conference is sure to be as The clinic is drop-in. Young people are designed by 'youse') sample forms and popular as previous years, so for more welcome to bring a pal or worker and policies totally free of charge! information contact Youth Scotland on Tel: they can get a nice cuppa and enjoy the 0131 554 2561 or These packs are practical demonstrations of full range of Underground facilities while www.youthscotland.org.uk (Day how Youth Scotland has used its they wait. delegates rates are available) Community Fund support. Unfortunately For more information contact Ali or this funding for training and resources has Sharon at Underground on 524 9875. now come to an end and means that John Muir Award in East Lothian despite Youth Scotland's network training Regional Manager and menu of training programmes having The John Muir Award, in partnership with benefited hundreds of youth and children's Inclusion : Fact or Fiction East Lothian Council and with funding workers throughout Scotland over the past A one-day seminar for people working from the Rank Foundation, is appointing a couple of years. A lot of time and effort with school aged children with physical 3 year post of Regional Manager. was needed to secure funding for this and/or learning disabilities This environmental Award scheme has important work to continue. LAYC is Thursday 25th September 2003 from established strong foundations with grateful to Youth Scotland having benefited schools, youth and community groups, from many of these on a wide range of 10am to 4pm in the Signet Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 3RF. environmental and conservation topics from Disability Awareness; Working organisations in East Lothian. The aim of with Volunteers; 'New' Games; Managing Seminar fee (to include buffet lunch) this initiative is to maintain and develop Challenging Behaviour; and 'Safeguarding £25 per delegate. the John Muir Award, including: Children. For further information contact Iola Promote the John Muir Award to 10- Later in the year Youth Scotland will also be Wilson, John Watson's Trust, Signet 26 year-olds, and to the wider unveiling 'Keeping it Real' - a practical Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh community resource to support participation work with EH1 1RF. Tel: 0131 220 1640 e-mail: Recruit and manage 2 'Gap' young people. [email protected] placements per year Also scheduled to appear shortly are the Support Providers of the John Muir 'Pole Position' and 'Live it to the Limit' Youth Access Project Award resource packs which have been produced Carolyn Jenkins, from Set up training and residential events to by specific strands of Youth Scotland's Edinburgh & East of Scotland support this work programme and support project work Deaf Society writes . . . . based around vehicles and health & physical activity programmes respectively. Our one year project, Cash Back? (Unfortunately without continued financial following on from the Access All Areas Co-op Community Dividend support for their Training & Resources research, is now drawing to a close. We Scheme: Community groups and project a charge will have to be applied to have successfully trained some young deaf organisations are able to apply for grants these packs). people to become Deaf Awareness Trainers and some Service Providers have from £100 to £5,000 from this fund. The benefited from this. Co-op recognises the importance of self- Valuable Volunteers help, social responsibility and caring for Part of the project involved producing others. Grants are issued twice a year to Grants of up to £500 are available from information on specialist equipment and groups sharing these values. For the Scottish Executive's Valuing services available to young deaf people. application or other information go to Volunteers scheme, launched last year We have a poster created by a deaf artist, www.co-op.co.uk to recognise and reward people who depicting a house containing the contribute to their communities through equipment, colourful leaflets and a new Comic Relief: The new grant volunteering and also to recruit new interactive website which is almost ready programme runs up to July 2004 for sums volunteers. Organisations and to go on-line. Look out for up to £5000. Application should address community groups can apply. www.youngdeaf.net the priorities of Fighting for Justice; To find out more, ring Unemployed Supporting Young People; Domestic
snippets . If you would like copies of the poster or Abuse; Refugee and Asylum Seekers; and Voluntary Action Fund (UVAF) on leaflet, or any further information, please Local Communities Working for Change. 01383 620 780 or visit www.uvaf.org.uk do not hesitate to get in touch with us here at the Deaf Society, 49 Albany Street, For more information about this (or the 2 Edinburgh EH1 3QY or telephone 0131 stage application programme for larger 556 3126. grants) go to www.comicrelief.com page 2 News
Networks Answers LAYC DIRECTOR MOVES ON Some people are easily bought ….. offer than a cup of tea and they fill in your At the start of July, Ian Boardman, Director Networks Readers Survey forms in their LAYC took up a position as Professional droves …. Well a 20% return is good Advisor to Rev. Cllr Ewan Aitken, the City of enough for some local government Edinburgh Council with responsibility for elections…. Seriously though, the views 'Youth Strategy and Education'. of over 30 groups of readers of Ian, who started with LAYC on the 1st April 1982 'Networks' have been really useful - (and that's no joke) is at pains to stress to people LAYC is still working out the details of that this is a 23 month secondment and that much how to respond to the points raised, but like the Terminator ….. "he'll be back!!" has plenty to be thinking about. Rather than argue that point, LAYC would like to Like why only 4 local authority groups wish Ian well in his new position where we feel sure responded he is admirably equipped to help the City of Edinburgh Council respond to all the opportunities Did slightly fewer children's work and challenges being posed of it as an Education groups respond for the same reason authority. the comments about Networks not LAYC welcomes Cllr Aitken's open acceptance of being relevant to that age group were the 'Youth Strategy' aspects of his remit, as well as his made responsibilities for the interests of mainstream education within the city and hopes that It's heartening to hear that readers view Edinburgh (along with the other 3 local authorities) will get fully involved in the Scottish Networks as: Executive's moves to re-invigorate youth work through its current review. Up to date (16 comments) Very Intersting (15)
LAYC AGM and Lecture Helpful (15) Useful (11) Slightly earlier than usual in the Autumn within the City of Edinburgh Council a calendar of events comes this years AGM number of years ago. Fraser has just Practical (11) which is being held along with the first retired as Director of Neighbourhood A good read (7); Nancy Ovens MBE Memorial Lecture on Resources and Development Department Tuesday 30th September 2003 in the of Dundee City Council and is the recently and that it is . . . Signet Library, Parliament Square, appointed Teaching Fellow looking at 'Well laid out' (23); and Edinburgh. Research in Community Learning and 'Easy to Read' (18) Full details will follow, but the AGM will be Development at the University of Dundee. Over the coming issues Networks will be starting earlier than usual to accommodate The venue itself is very impressive, historic looking at the type of articles you say you the Memorial Lecture so make sure you and up-market for LAYC having been built like to see and trying to make sure that take a note of the start times properly!! by the Faculty of Advocates and then sold those topics you identified as missing (like The speaker at the Memorial Lecture is to the Writers to the Signet. Thanks must features on small local groups and what is Fraser Patrick who some of you may go to the John Watson Trust for their happening in areas other than Edinburgh) remember from Community Education assistance in securing the venue for LAYC. are also included. Thanks once again to those who took the time to respond - hopefully over time you will see your comments reflected in STOP PRESS . . . Networks itself. Edinburgh Launch Youth Services Strategy 31st October [It has been suggested that the survey A launch will be held at St Thomas of Aquin's High School on Friday 31st October to was contrary to Equal Opportunities as raise awareness amongst young people, key decision makers, youth workers and the inclusion of a teabag did not take the others about the Youth Services Strategy. As part of a day of activities involving over needs of coffee drinkers into 100 young people, a group of key politicians and decision makers are being invited to consideration …. And some people said join young people in dialogue about the strategy and future youth services in they liked to have a biscuit with their tea. Edinburgh. Listen, we do our best!! Listening A full report on this high profile event and of the open debate (to be hosted by a well- organisations aren't build in a day you known celebrity) will appear in the Winter issue of Networks!! LAYC will also be know!!] assisting City of Edinburgh Council to distribute materials to organisations who plan and provide services to young people in the city drawing their attention to the strategy and highlighting how all organisations correspond to the priorities identified by the strategy.
page 3 page 4 page 2 projects . . . projects . . . projects . . . about!!!' asked whatyouthworkwasall reading thearticle….'Remember you their revengeoncolleaguesafter stories ofyouthworkersexacting we areexpectingtohearterrifying context ofcontemporaryyouthwork it Up'reportgivestothepurposeand useful andclearintroductionthe'Step Given Ted's backgroundandthevery competences' inyouthwork. place of'socialandemotional materials andreporttoexplorethe which hasdevelopedthe'StepitUp' funded NationalDevelopmentProject the workofScottishExecutive Ted hasverykindlyagreedtohighlight University ofStrathclyde). Community EducationfromThe Milburn (bythenretiredProfessor of reading willflowfromthepenofTed compensation thearticleyouwillbe Winter issueofNetworks.Byway have tobepatientandwaituntilthe now atLAYC. You arejustgoingto However, thingsareprettyhecticjust these pages. expect toseesomethingaboutitin Learning andDevelopment'youmight others involvedin'Community youth workallaboutnowadays'by colleagues beingasked'Sowhatis time asweat'Networks'hearof work inScotlandappearsatthesame When anymajorreportonyouth 'STEP ITUP' and guidelines. if complyingwiththeoriginalconditions smaller localgroupswhohadnochance very daunting-andnotjustforthe was bureaucratic,cumbersomeand the systemthathadbeenintroduced convince anyonewhowouldlistenthat Youth Scotlandnationallytryingto a monthpassedwithoutLAYC locally or And itseemedthatforthefirstyearnot on behalfofothergroups. can carryoutsomeoftheprocedures work phoningtheofficetoseeifLAYC involved inchildren'sworkoryouth passes withoutsomegrouporindividual system cameintoforce.Notaweek Scotland criminalconvictionschecking nearly 18monthssincetheDisclosure Groups won'tneedremindingthatit's LAYC DisclosureUnitHopesDashed. . Policy the startofJulyonhislastdaywork City ofEdinburghCouncil.However, at LAYC submittedabidforfundingto supportive oftheaimproposal, Children's Services'fundingtobe Believing theprinciplesof'Changing system themselvesinthefuture. own capacitytooperatetherequired support inhelpingclubsbuilduptheir also providetrainingandpractical involved inrecruitingstaff, butwould help clubswiththeshorttermproblems Disclosures Unitwhichnotonlywould LAYC submittedaproposalfor a gooddealofdiscussionandthought, the newproceduresintopractice.After could dotohelpmembergroupsput organisations tolookatwhattheyboth local authoritiesencouragingthe had beenencouragedbycontactwith More recentlyLAYC andYouth Scotland The 'Don'tCare'Commission some groupssomuchthat This developmenthasconcerned are onlygivenforregisteredprovision). financially asegtaxcreditsforchildcare implications forgroups(including Care Commissioncouldhavemajor letters asnotbeingregisteredwiththe carefully beforerespondingtosuch after schoolprovidersshouldthink Local groupssuchasplayschemesand seems soincongruous. for anythingwithsuchamajorimpact when providersmightbeunprepared unexpected moveatatimeofyear regulations) whichiswhythis and applythenewsystem service providerstolearn,understand services' andworkingtogetherwith confirming informationaboutthe It wasalsoayearspent'gatheringand prioritised followingariskassessment'). inspection, withinspectionsbeing proportional andtargetedapproachto 'challenging' onewhentheytook'a (described bytheCommissionitselfasa Commission's firstyearofoperations people attheendofCare It seemsastrangemovetosome require toberegistered. legal adviceisthatgroupswhodonothavethisprimarypurposenolonger primary purposeistheprovisionofcaretochildren.Theypointoutthattheir Education &Childcarecategoryaskingthemtoconsiderwhethertheir providers suchasplayschemesandotherswhofallwithintheEarlyYears not that!TheCareCommissionhasbeenwritingtocurrentlyregistered This summersomethingstrangehappened[yes,thesunshone!-Editor]No Time bombstilltickingforApril2004! under iftheywanttokeepoperating. Councillors knowthepressuresthey are law? Maybeit'stimethatgroupslet their youth andchildren'sgroupstoignore the (Scotland) Act2003?DoCouncils want not heardoftheProtection ofChildren List becomesoperational.Haveofficials Disqualified fromWorking withChildren the problemsintensifyasnew additional resources-andinSpring2004 cannot provideanysupportwithout need theassistanceifoffers,LAYC lie dormantforlongbyLAYC -clubs Disclosures Unitwillnotbeallowedto Well Ianhasgonenow, butthe funding'. developments recommendedfor proposal 'hasnotbeenincludedinthe unfortunate taskofhearingthatthe Boardman, DirectorLAYC hadthe prior totakinguphisnewpost,Ian playscheme? care ifshe's'only'atthesummer Jeannie notworththesamestandardof concern thesamechildren-islittle potential problems.Inmanycasesthey levels ofservicesforchildrenisfull Scotland, anyactionwhichcreates2tier across thewholegeographyof may haveamorestandardexperience are concernedthatalthoughchildren Commission wassetuptoachieveand approach tostandardsthatthe Partnership supportedthenational Groups suchasEdinburghChildcare as towhatliesbehindthemove. has writtenseekingclarification Edinburgh ChildcarePartnership Healthy Respect
Free 'Morning After Video & Resource File' Copies ? Chlamydia : The Facts Healthy Respect was funded by the Scottish Executive in 2000 to: Chlamydia is the most common Promote positive attitudes towards curable sexually transmitted infection good sexual health and respectful and is on the rise within the UK. relationships among young people; Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed on through vaginal, anal Reduce teenage pregnancy rates or oral sex without a condom, or (Lothian has the 2nd highest under 16 teenage pregnancy rate in if a condom is used but it bursts. Scotland); It is thought that 1 in 10 people Decrease levels of sexually under the age of 25 years have transmitted infections. Chlamydia and about two thirds of people do not have any signs or symptoms. If someone did Along with delivery of the SHARE have symptoms they might have pain when peeing, programme (Sexual Health and unusual discharge, lower tummy pain all the time or during sex and some unusual vaginal Relationships Education) and health bleeding in females. If they do have any of the above signs or symptoms it is important to drop-ins for young people, this video take a test for Chlamydia or speak to a doctor or nurse. has been produced by Healthy Respect to help young people access local If Chlamydia is not treated it can lead to long term problems for the person who has it and sexual health services. the people they go on to have sex with. Females can develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is caused when the Chlamydia infection goes up into the uterus (womb) and can LAYC has been provided with some spread along the fallopian tubes. This is a rare side effect but can cause serious problems complimentary copies of the video with fertility in the future. These include problems such as Infertility, or if the female does get resource pack and will be adding two copies to the LAYC Information and pregnant the pregnancy can grow in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus (Ectopic Resources Library. Pregnancy). For men Chlamydia can cause the testicles to become swollen, red and sore. However, it occurred to LAYC that If someone does have a test and gets a making the service as confidential as perhaps some of you already working positive result the infection is easily possible. These are: the person with young people around health or cured with antibiotics. Most people get phones us; we phone the person; we sexual health issues might like the four tablets to take all at once and that e-mail the person, or we send a letter. chance to have your very own copy is it sorted. Sometimes the person will If the result is positive we can arrange absolutely free of charge!?! But how to need a week's course of antibiotics to see the person in a mutually decide who should get one? which also treats the infection. convenient location for treatment. The first 3 articles to be received by Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which Above is a picture of the kit. LAYC from groups, giving details of their means that once treated with Within the Healthy Respect Project we past work with young people around health/sexual health or of your plans to antibiotics, the Chlamydia bug has been have been trying to find out exactly do something around these issues destroyed and will not come back how many people under 25 in Lothian within the next 6 months (and thereby again unless they have unprotected have Chlamydia. Over the past two sex. demonstrating the need to have a copy years we have put our postal testing of the pack at hand to use) will get a A urine test for Chlamydia has been kits in many different locations copy of the pack for their youth group. developed making it easier to test throughout Lothian, including young Details of the successful groups will be people and therefore making the test people's drop-ins, Further Education featured in future issues of Networks. much more widely available. At Colleges and pharmacies. Our target Healthy Respect we have developed population is young people between You can also borrow a copy of the pack from the Lothian Health Library and an easy to use testing kit. The person 14 - 25 years of age. If you or any of Resource Centre - telephone 0131 536 gives a specimen of urine which is sent the young people you work with are 9246 for details. in the freepost envelope to the interested in more information or a laboratory, and the result is ready in postal testing kit please phone 0131 about two weeks. There are four 536 2106 or go to options on how to get the result, www.healthy-respect.com page 53 page 6 children’s work . . . children’s work . . . Edinburgh werelaunchedin2001. in Angus,Glasgow, Argyll&Buteand authorities aftersuccessfulpilotprojects which isbeingrolledouttoall32 national initiativecalledDialogueYouth West Lothian Young Scotispartofa in September. folio, assheisduetobeginArtCollege and willbethefirstadditiontoFiona's promotional materialandmerchandise The designwillbeusedonthewebsite, completed themission. Fiona, Inveralmondstudentsuccessfully with someinnovativedesignshowever agents acrossWest Lothian cameup initiative, West Lothian Young Scot.The design alogothatrepresentedthenew to all11highschoolsandyouthclubs Incredible competitionwasdistributed across West Lothian. TheMission by apanelofyoungpeoplefromentries Fiona's winninglogodesignwaschosen Young Scotlogo. launch theallnewWest Lothian entry inaspecialpresentationto student's FionaGreer'swinning Thomas unveiledInveralmond West Lothian'sProvost Joe Mission Incredible West LothianYoung Scot's matter forthem'.Young peoplefrom initiative inadirectionthatwillreally every opportunitytodrivethe given arealvoiceandareafforded will beensuringthatyoungpeopleare fantastic; theenthusiasmisjustgreat. I approach toinvolvingyoungpeople ordinator said,'IfindEastLothian's Caroline Davis,DialogueYouth Co- Co-ordinator. First dayinher job appointment oftheDialogueYouth people wereinvolvedinthe the initiative'sdevelopment.egyoung people areinvolvedinallaspectsof Lothian seeitascriticalthatyoung the CommunityPlanningagenda.East initiative andonethatcontributesto Youth verymuchasacorporate Dialogue Youth andviewDialogue especially activeindeveloping East Lothian Councilhasbeen Dialogue Youth -EastLothian Project Update young people. with localretailerstogaindiscountsfor writing forawebsiteandnegotiating in theprojectthroughdevelopingand also offerstheopportunitytoparticipate September. West Lothian Young Scot meet forthefirsttimeatendof through aYouth Congresswhichwill community, councilandnationallevel in West Lothian togainavoiceat The projectwillsupportyoungpeople government services. young peopleattheheartof Scottish Executivedesignedtoput It isanationalstrategyfundedbythe Education arealsohighonmylistof Ur Saytraining;PSEandCitizenship work; developmentofHackPack and looked at!!'Buildingonthisexcellent young personinEastLothian isbeing Young ScotSmartcardsforevery business frameworkincorporating this work.Averyambitiouse Young Scotlogoshavecomeoutof designs integratingEastLothian and forward Smartcards.Remarkable and BusinessManagementtomove Learning andDevelopmentPolicy café workingcloselywithCommunity Young peoplefromtheInter.Esk cyber Research base nexttotheirschool. setting upofanewResource Architects, withITSpecialistsonthe Learning andDevelopmentStaff, with been workingwithCommunity Musselburgh GrammarSchoolhave or DerekBonnar. to Rebecca Lynch, NanMatthews phone 01506776479andspeak [email protected] or the Project, pleaseemail: information aboutanyaspectof If youwouldlikeanymore packs toS1andS4students. schools inSeptemberanddelivering Roadshow willbevisitingall11high active now. West Lothian Young Scot West Lothian youngpeoplecanget from the1st-8thofNovember. in conjunctionwithYouth Work Week The projectsofficiallaunchwillbeheld Youth wiseintheirareas. date withwhat'shappeningDialogue opportunities tokeepeveryoneup Hopefully therewillbeplentyof welcome RebeccatotheArea. (an oldfriendofLAYC) welland Networks wouldliketowishCaroline [email protected] mail withyourinterest 0131 6533003,ordropherane- doing inEastLothian, callCarolineon information onhowDialogueYouth is 'to do's''saidCaroline.For more Project Update
EDINBURGH YOUTH COUNCIL Dialogue Youth Midlothian September 2003 will see the launch of The development of Dialogue Youth an Edinburgh Youth Council in Midlothian is still at an early stage due to delays in appointing a co- For years the young people of ordinator to lead the project. Work Edinburgh have had very little has been going on behind the scenes opportunity to become fully doing some of the preparation so that involved in the process of making decisions which affect their lives. the new staff can hit the ground Hopefully the Youth Council may running ! A group of staff from the prove to be the most dramatic Council and the voluntary sector in event ever to impact on the lives Midlothian has set up meetings with of Edinburgh's young citizens. The Youth Platform which paved the The Edinburgh Youth Council was way for a wider consultation held in The Youth Council will be made up of originally an idea spawned by the June. This consultation showed that different branches: Edinburgh Youth Task Force, which was there was interest in Young Scot card created in 1997 as a organisation which EYC Full Council: The full Council will be being used to replace various other the City of Edinburgh Council could made up of all the young people elected to membership cards and passes as well consult with on issues affecting young the Youth Council. They will discuss as providing discounts. people in the City. In 2002 the citywide issues and will have a campaigning Council's Youth Services Strategy laid and lobbying role. As well as linking to other Interest in joining 'The Hack Pack' to out the commitment to create this decision making groups a large part of full develop local pages were of interest Youth Council with the Task Force council meetings will be to provide training to some participants or they knew of acting as the lead agency. to the members and debate policies. someone who would want to get Since then the Task Force has An Executive: The Executive of the Youth involved. developed the idea of an Edinburgh Council shall be responsible for the day-to- Youth Council into a reality. day running of the organisation and shall be One issue was that shops and traders For too long have young people been elected by the members annually. of interest were national companies the subject of discussion and debate but Themed Groups: The themed groups will and that possible local targets were have never really been listened to focus on and debate specific areas of restricted to fast food outlets, themselves or their opinions acted concern for young people such as transport, hairdressers ,transport and driving upon. It is hoped with the creation of education etc. lessons. Developing a smartened card this new forum that young people will Area Forums: The Youth Council will for use in cashless cafeterias and in be enabled to become full and active divide itself into six Area Forums that will vending machines is moving ahead participants in the decision making parallel the Local Development Committee process. too! The new Dalkeith Campus will boundaries and discuss and lobby on local open in October after the holidays The Edinburgh Youth Council itself will issues. and cards need to be in place by then. be made up of young people aged The Edinburgh Youth Council will have between Secondary S1 and 25 who All the other High schools will follow direct links to decision makers, be able to shall be elected from Schools, Youth by March 2004. raise one issue a year at City of Edinburgh Organisations, colleges, Universities and Council meetings and be involved in Communities of interest. In addition allocating resources to improve youth young people who do not participate in services. any of the above may be eligible to become an individual member. The creation of this Youth Council is a great move forward in involving young people in the political structures of the city and shall change the face of the decision making process for years to come. For more information on the Edinburgh Youth Council please contact Liz Walls at Wellington Court, 10 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG or call 0131 469 3459.
Thanks to David Bernard, Chair, Edinburgh Youth Task Force for the article. page 7 page 8 Edinburgh Leisure . . . Edinburgh Leisure . . . LINKS LEISURE facility DutyManagerpriortovisit. To arrangeabookingpleasecontactthe leisure carddiscountsapply. swim only. Atstandardtimesnormal venues atoff-peaktimesfor£1gymor opportunity toaccessEdinburghLeisure Leisure Cardoffersindividualsthe The Leisure LinksYouth Workers' people. offering groupdiscountsforyoung special discountedrateandtheother access EdinburghLeisure facilitiesata One encouragingyouthworkersto There aretwostrandstothescheme. who dealwithallregistrationissues. to groupsaffiliatedLAYC &PACE The schemeiscurrentlyonlyavailable programmes. children andyoungpeople's leisure andsportsactivitiesinboth to encouragethedevelopmentofmore Entrust (PACE) andEdinburghLeisure Youth Clubs(LAYC), PlayandCare initiative betweenLothian Associationof scheme hasbeensetupthroughajoint Links SchemeinApril2003.The establish andimplementtheLeisure month pilotprojectitwasdecidedto After reviewingthesuccessofasix Leisure LinksScheme swim, gymandhallhire. The schemealso Edinburgh Leisure offers group discounts for youth groups wishing toaccess Edinburgh Leisure facilities. Groups are entitled to 10% offat standard times and 20% atoff- usage of peak times for casual PLAY FORIT Leisure Centre.Theprogramme only multiactivitycampatDrumbrae over fortygirlstookpartina programme filledupinstantlyand Centre. TheMeadowsTennis week heldatMeadowbankSport part inthefunpackedmultiactivity young peopleaged11-15yearstook a matterofweeks.Overfifty-five All courseswerefullybookedwithin price. sporting activitiesforanaffordable people canaccesshighquality Edinburgh Leisure ensuringyoung by bothCommunityEducationand The programmeisheavilysubsidised of activitiescoveringthreevenues. have takenpartinanexplosivearray Young peoplefromacrossthecity been ahugesuccessthisyear. Summer GO4ITprogrammehas towards CommunityEducation's Edinburgh Leisure's contribution GO4IT Summer HolidayProgramme2003 up toafundingdeadline ofFriday 3rdOctober. Applications willbedealtwithon a rollingbasis by e-mail:[email protected] Road, Edinburgh EH75BL.Tel: 5506820or Chance, NewParliament House,5-7Regent Application formsareavailablefrom: Sporting your localcommunity, here'syourchance! your JuniorClubororganiseasportsfundayin So ifyouwanttoorganiseacoachingsessionat first time. children tospecialistvenuesoftenforthevery activities intheirlocalcommunitiesortook across thecityandtheyorganisedtheirown year wefundedtwentygroupsandclubs Awards' into theprogrammeofevents.Last have introducedtheideasof'Project centres inthecity. Inrecognitionofthiswe find itdifficulttotravelthemainsports However, werealisethatsomechildrenmay badminton. to of activitiesrangingfromblo-karting coaching coursesandtastersessionsinallsorts The mainprogrammeincludessportscamps, October Schoolholidays. P7) whichisbeingorganisedduringthe activity weekforPrimary SchoolChildren(P4- available foraspecialsportsandphysical Project Awards uptoamaximumof£250are in avenuenearyou! Look outforfutureprogrammes more. swimming, cheerleadingandmuch rounders, badminton,netball, bodycombat, tennis,trampoline, basketball, climbing,gymnastics, dance, nrgzonegym,athletics, activities includingfootball,street take partinadiverserangeof gave youngpeopleanopportunityto EYSIP
THE CAMPAIGN HAVE A BLAST CONTINUES YOUNG PERSONS FORUM As it moves into a second year, Celebrating our youth, promoting their gifts, talents and success's is exactly what "Have A Blast" continues to change Citizen Y is giving you the opportunity to do. Edinburgh Youth Social Inclusion Partnership (EYSIP) as lead organisation behind the campaign is delighted with the and evolve as young people become overwhelming support that the campaign has received throughout the UK. more involved in the running of the event. In the last twelve months it has helped young people from all over Edinburgh to find their voice on issues that affect them and begin to explore different ways of making this voice heard. Thus there have been political question-time events and many workshops with topics as diverse as performance poetry, stand-up comedy and young people and mental health. At the end of August the "Have A Blast" stage became a young persons' forum, called in order to generate a response to the Scottish Citizen Y started as a local campaign to Citizen Y 'Who are you calling a NED?' and Executive's proposals for tackling promote the positive images of youth and to since May were working hard on the script, ask adults to challenge their perceptions of designing of the set, producing and directing anti-social behaviour: "Putting our young people. To-date it has been praised for the drama through to presenting 3 Communities First". The forum,at it's energy and innovativeness by the performances held at Theatre Workshop in the City Art Centre, was co- Children's Rights Alliance for England and Stockbridge (8th, 9th, and 16th of August) Dialogue Youth Stirling have invited us to performing it to the masses in Edinburgh's facilitated by EYSIP and the Scottish share our experiences with them over the Fringe Festival. Civic Forum and the outcomes coming months. This particular form of expressing young will help generate EYSIP's response Local support for the campaign is immense. people's views has drawn a lot of attention to the Executive's consultation The variety of supporters is incredible. MSP's from media across the board. The Evening document. such as Susan Deacon and Rosie Kane News has been very supportive of the efforts have become involved with great zest gotten of the drama groups and has been a key Currently there are several events involved, we have celebrities such as Gary player in promoting the Citizen Y drama to being held to help organizations to McCormick and Grant Stott volunteering the Edinburgh public. The drama group have respond to "Putting our their services to help with promotion and a been involved in BBC Scotlands Gary never ending list of organisations (6VT Robertson Show and have shared interview Communities First". EYSIP hopes Youth Café, Lothian and Borders time with the likes of Esther Rantzen. that events like the young peoples' Police, LGBT Youth Scotland, forum will ensure that young Streetwork, Crew 2000, Parentline The drama has received considerable Scotland, HYPE, etc) who have given their attention from television. BBC Scotland's peoples' viewpoints are included as contacts, reputation, expertise and time to NewsNight have filmed rehearsals and the well. Such viewpoints are of making this a valuable campaign. first live performance of the show for an particular importance as it is young evening broadcast in August. BBC News Since it's launch in March Citizen Y has Round have also filmed a rehearsal and people who are likely to be most distributed thousands of postcards, badges taken a couple of the young people around affected by the anti-social behaviour and posters through out Edinburgh. The Edinburgh to act as their roving reporters. proposals contained in the Citizen Y Drama group participated with This program was broadcasted on Mike Greenlaw in the production and Wednesday the 13th of August on BBC 1. document. unveiling of St Johns Church Mural in June with the support of Rosie Kane MSP. After such a successful program we are For more information about hopeful that with the guidance and support of Have A Blast events contact In July the campaign invited parents to come our partner organisations that the Autumn along and talk about the facts and issues Mike Forrester at EYSIP. program will be exactly what's needed to surrounding being a parent of a teenager and blow away any remaining negative perception e-mail: Susan Deacon MSP and Grant Stott lent themselves to us for the afternoon to help of our young people. [email protected] make this event memorable for all those For further details please contact: involved. Paula Aldin-Scott on Tel: 0131 555 5111 The drama group took the name for their e-mail: [email protected] Fringe production from the St Johns Mural - web site: www.citizeny.org page 9 page 10 Training . . . Training . . . Training . . . course. experience isnecessarytoattendthe N.B. Nopreviousdramaormusic explore: The macrobertyoungconsultantswill last twoyearswill: twelve 'PlanningforReal' exercisesoverthe The Aberdeenteamwhohavecarriedout consultation withchildrenandyoungpeople. demonstrating theuseofartsin workshop a practicalhands-on macroberts youngconsultantsgroupwillbe Aberdeen Artsdevelopmentteamandthe This onedayworkshop,presentedby using theartsinconsultation Planning forReal: The coursewillcoverareassuchas: and thosewithchallengingbehaviour. disabilities, thosewithintheautisticspectrum including thosewithprofoundandmultiple people withalllevelsoflearningdifficulties, and practicaltechniquestoworkwithyoung skills. Theemphasisisonsimple,innovative expression, creativityandcommunication sound theirclientstodevelopself difficulties usingdrama,theatre,musicand working with,youngpeoplewithlearning for anyoneworkingwith,orconsidering This threedayexperientialcourseissuitable company in associationwithwolfandwaterarts Wolf andWater -TheBigMeal Cost :A£70,B£90,CD£115 To registerorformoreinformationcontact Cost :A£170,B£220,CD£270 relaxation music andsoundforcreativity profound disabilities using dramaandmusicwithpeople social skills drama forcreativity, communicationand developing yourselfasafacilitator setting upandstartingagroup development young peoplesinvolvementinproject establishment consultancy fromrecruitmentthroughto an Article31approachtochildren's worthwhile forallconcerned making thisprocessmeaningfuland consulting thewidercommunityandof explore waysofinvolvingyoungpeople, locality actionplans how itcaneffectchangeandinform 'Planning forReal' exercisedemonstrating take participantsthroughtheprocessofa Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling Stirling Centre, Arts Macrobert John NicholasandPeter Harris or Radha Singh(2222438) or Radha Macrobert Young Alison Rowan (2222405) childreninscotland.org.uk Training or e-mailarowan@ Consultants 13 October 13 B NKS willbedoingaresidentialforsouth Towards theendofsummerseason, and celebrated. completion certificateswillbepresented participation ofthetrainingwhencourse those involvedinthedeliveryand NKS willbehostingarecalleventforall can have. the wideimpactthatspecialisedwork understanding oftheskillsrequiredand youth workbypromotingan the statusandcredibilityofsouthAsian It ishopedthatthetraininghelpedtoraise 14 participantscompletedthetraining. Each sessionwaswellattendedandinall employment/recruitment. (formal), health,housingandin inclusion invarioussettings,ieeducation for thoseseekingtopromotesocial The trainingalsoprovidedvaluableinsights youth work. looking foremploymentinsouthAsian sector, statutorysectororsomeone staff, fulltime,partinthevoluntary designed tobeaccessibleall;whether weeks fromMaytoJuly2003.Itwas and deliveredatrainingcourseover6 south Asiacommunities,NKSproduced As partofdevelopingyouthworkinthe throughout theyear. groups fordifferentage'srunning Edinburgh. Thereareanumberof Asian womenandchildrenin health andwelfareprojectforsouth NKS (NariKallyan Shangho)isa TRAINING SUCCESS. SOUTH ASIANYOUTHCULTURE PRICE £19.99 women isalsodueoutsoon. A supplementfocusingspecificallyon workwithAfricanCaribbeangirlsandyoung what theywanttoknowaboutsex and relationships. workers havefoundmostusefuland highlightstheissuesimportanttoyoungwomenand the mediaaswellpolicy. Itgives apottedhistoryofGirls'Work, liststheresources women inourhighlysexualisedsociety, andthecurrentclimateinrelationtosociety advice fromyoungwomenthemselves. Itlooksattherationaleforworkingwithyoung case studies,fascinatingexamplesandtipsfromworkerstogetherwith comments and anyone involvedinworkingwithgirlsandyoungwomen.BeyondBarbie ispackedwith the bookwillbeinaninterestingandeasytoreadformat,essential readingfor tips fromworkerstogetherwithcommentsandadviceyoungwomen themselves, In afun,easytoreadillustratedformat,Packed withcasestudies,fascinatingexamplesand principles ofgoodpracticebroughttogetherfromthemanyworkerswho contributed. best approachestoworkinginthisarea.CentralBeyondBarbieisare thecore September, BeyondBarbieaimstoshareworkers' skillsandknowledgehighlightthe and youngwomenaroundsexrelationshipsthisSummerAutumn. Available in This excitingnewbookfromfpawillbeessentialreadingforallthosewho workwithgirls Brown-Simpson Angie By women: aworkers'compendium andrelationshipseducationwithgirls&young Community basedsex E Y O - Available inSeptemberfromFPA Directon01865719418 N D
B A R [email protected] 1915 ore-mail: and familysupportworkeron221 Aisha Sohail,youthdevelopment youth workatNKSpleasecontact For furtherinformationabout people. work toblackandminorityethnicyouth organisations involvedindeliveringyouth start offormingaresourceforworkersor is hopedthatsuchmaterialswillbethe relevant toyoungsouthAsianwomen.It NKS willbecreatingmaterialsspecificand work. this excitingnewandchallengingpieceof yet tobeconfirmed,butwatchoutfor Asian women.Thedatesandvenueare B I E Snippets
Good Practice Database Are you planning a Commonwealth Web Sites Some of you will have received an invitation at Youth Exchange between April the start of the summer to send details of good In England and Wales the Department for youth work practice to YouthLink Scotland who Education and Skills is drawing up 2004 and March 2005? are compiling a database which will eventually guidance for Local Education Authorities The Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council is be able to be accessed by other workers and Schools to consider when involving the national agency for the promotion and grant seeking to develop similar projects in their own young people and children in decision aiding of youth exchange visits between 15-25 areas. making. year old Britons and their contemporaries in The idea is that recording what others have www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations2/18/docs/ Commonwealth countries, especially those in done in an easy to understand format will have ParticipationGuidance01.pdf Africa, Asia or the Caribbean. a greater 'spin-off' benefit throughout Scotland Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of than other more formal evaluations and reports. Southampton, has published research nations, which now has a membership of 54 Apologies for the very short timescale (LAYC resulting from surveys and interviews wit countries. In 2004/05 CYEC will particularly got the request late and contacted groups within young people on how politicians can welcome applications from exchange projects 24 hours) and many thanks to the half dozen better engage with young people. Type using active and global citizenship themes. the address slowly Mr Boardman! or so groups who were able to respond in If your youth group is planning a Commonwealth www.alan-whitehead.org.uk some way). [LAYC hopes in future 'Networks' youth exchange visit during the next financial year to provide local groups a chance to get more and you want to apply for financial assistance from recognition for their good work by featuring CYEC, please note the deadline dates for regular practice articles reflecting all types of In Case You Missed It ! submitting your applications are: member groups.] Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 has Wednesday 24th September 2003 various strands that Council's are going to be Reform of Charity Law affected by. The Act : Wednesday 29th October 2003 You can apply for a grant to help subsidise your Following the recent scandal involving the Confirms that 'best value' is 'an appropriate group's overseas travel from UK or to help with running of a Scottish based cancer charity, the balance' among quality of performance, cost Scottish Executive have dusted off the hosting an overseas group in the UK. It is to the authority and any charge for that essential to apply on time because CYEC has McFadden Report with some speed and service. embarked on practical steps like consulting as to normally committed its entire budget by what should be included in the new legislation. Places a duty on Councils to set up, Christmas. They have also announced that the new office maintain and facilitate a process of For an application and information pack, please of the Scottish Charity Regulator will be based in 'community planning' involving consultation send a SAE with two 1st class stamps to: 'with such community bodies and other Dundee and employ about 30 staff. Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council Hopefully the proposal to set up a new type of bodies or persons as is appropriate.' The 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, London SW4 7NQ group, the 'Charitable Incorporated Council, Health Board, Police and Fire Organisation' will be part of this. Groups Authority and local enterprise company currently thinking of becoming Companies must all participate in community planning. Innovative Project for Young Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status A report has to be published on what has should bear this in mind. been done by way of community planning Disabled People in an area and what action has been taken. The Lothian Centre for Integrated Living (LCIL), a Tax Back ! Gives Councils the power to do anything, user-led disability organisation, has been awarded including spending money which advances a grant from the Camelot Foundation From April 2004 charities can benefit from the well being of the local authority area Transforming Lives Fund, resulting in the people receiving repayments due to them after groundbreaking It's Your Life Project. completing a Self Assessment tax return (last and/or people within the area (unless it It's Your Life is a unique new project offering year nearly 3 million tax payers got around £3 unreasonably duplicates anything being done support and advice to disabled people aged billion re-paid). by someone else under any legislative enactment). between 16 and 25. The journey towards So who knows, maybe one of your supporters adulthood and independence requires numerous is about to get a windfall from the Inland decisions: where to live, whether to study or get Revenue or perhaps a grateful parent will share While You Were Away! a job, where relationships fit in and so on. Whilst in their good fortune - and remember any In England and Wales the 'Transforming Youth such questions affect all young people, it can be donation like this would qualify for Gift Aid and Work - Developing Youth Work for Young particularly difficult for young disabled people to the Inland Revenue would pay the charity even People' report was published earlier this year by make informed choices, and It's Your Life more - equivalent to the basic rate of tax on the the Department for Education and Employment addresses this problem directly. amount donated! which says amongst other things that 'youth The project provides a training course, which To participate in the scheme charities need to work is important' and challenges people to includes an introduction to the Social Model of provide certain details - the form has to be 'tackle second and third rate provision'. It Disability. Hazel Farley, the Manager of LCIL completed and returned by 30th September supports 'the concept of youth development' believes this a vital part of the project. "Hopefully 2003, so phone IR Charities Helpline on 0845 and says this can provided in a number of ways young people who take part in this training will 3020203. including 'high quality youth work, volunteering then feel stronger and more able to challenge community activities, organised sport and out of discrimination". Green Team Sponsored Walk 2003 school and summer activities.' It's Your Life aims to increase awareness of Direct Saturday September 27th Good youth work ….. 'offers quality support Payments and Independent Living options and to This year the Green Team will be walking from …… enables the voice of young people to be address the social isolation experienced by some Levenhall Links, Musselburgh to Holyrood Park heard …. provides a rich diversity of personal disabled people by providing a peer support in the centre of Edinburgh - a mere 15 and social development opportunities and group. On an individual basis, professional peer kilometres! choices to young people ….. promotes counselling will be available. They are trying to raise money for their minibus intervention and prevention to address the It's Your Life is funded until May 2005, by which and to buy some new tools and equipment to individual institutional and policy causes of time LCIL will have produced a guide to good run their activities. disaffection and exclusion.' practice to be disseminated to interested A Great Green Quiz has been organised for The report commends the National Youth organisations all over the UK. walkers as they go along and there will be tea, Agency's 'Youth Service Pledge' as a helpful The Camelot funding has enabled LCIL to employ coffee and cake at the Holyrood Park Education framework for local authorities as they consider a part-time Training Officer to oversee It's Your Centre at the end of the walk. quality and appropriate levels of funding to meet Life. Abi Gibb can be contacted on 0131 475 The Green Team would like as many people as local community need. The report can be 2350 for more information about this project, or possible to take part. If you would like to accessed on the internet at check out LCIL's website www.lothiancil.org.uk participate or publicise this good cause, contact www.connexions.gov.uk/publications Penny Radway, Green Team Manager, Room 7, A critique of the report also appears on the New Parliament House, 5-7 Regent Road, Edinburgh EH7 5BG. Tel: 558 9571 or e-mail: excellent www.infed.org website (just follow the [email protected] obvious signs!) page 11 News
Bridges Project - Web Group Launch
With more than a passing nod in the sites, some of which will be hosted on is planned, and this will report on activities direction of the other democratic process Bridges Project's main web site. The already in the pipeline including CD taking place on May 1st, young people using technical skills developed by the participants burning, video making, drama production, the services of Bridges Project, launched the will be of great value for the design and European exchanges, and script writing. first stage of what is hoped will be a construction of a young person's web site at Some young people have already identified sustainable user participation process for the Bridges Project, as well as being very downloads they want to make available to agency. The launch was attended by friends marketable commodities to potential others. These include cheap and healthy and family as well as staff from the 15-24 employers. recipes and tips on how to survive B&B. Projects in East and Midlothian and Bridges Participants have developed extra Now in it's third year of operation in East Project. John Dickie, Head of the Youth communication, team work, numeracy and Unit at Scottish Council for Single Homeless Lothian and it's second year in Midlothian, literacy skills through the work and where Bridges Project hopes to build on the presented the successful participants with requested have had one-one sessions with their certificates. previous success of other participation personal tutors to enhance these skills. activities, including the Smash 'n' Grub New Futures funding and premises They have also enjoyed trips to the theatre cookbook and Leaving Home-A Few Home provided by MYPAS in Dalkeith, enabled as part of the process and have been Truths, a pack designed by school leavers ten young people from Midlothian and East introduced to actors, set designers, for school leavers in East Lothian. As Lothian to attend a twelve week bespoke directors, dancers and a host of other participants graduate into peer volunteers, web design training programme with CRF professionals involved in arts and the media. they will be able to pass on their skills to Computer Consultancy Ltd. The young The participation site will showcase the other young people, perpetuating the circle people successfully designed and work organised and undertaken by young of involvement. constructed their own web pages and web people at the project. A virtual newsletter
Powerbases are Go ! EYSIP, YPSO & CAPRO Deliver New Service
It was this time last year when Networks carried an article by Ruth Campbell, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Youth SIP making a spirited argument for the Powerbase concept contained within the Council's Youth Services Strategy Action Plan. She argued that 'many young people don't want to follow the yellow brick road of being part of a nondescript group, fundraising and planning for a one off taster of some new experience. They want to cut to the chase - try it, see if they like it, and if they do, find a direct route of support and facilities to help them pursue their new interest without any further delay.' And guess what else these small Ruth Campbell isn't here to see it, having And here we are 12 months on and independent youth work projects are taken up a post with the Scottish Executive Networks are happy to announce that doing? They are making things easily earlier this year, but 12 months after her strangely enough for a ‘strategy’ things have available and accessible to young people article, YPSO's ScreenScene and CAPRO's actually changed in less than a year - (rather than at more traditional and new service are here and delivering admittedly it was EYSIP who had to put a convenient times for the provider). As last services to young people - hopefully the little money in the pot to make things years article put it 'Hopefully [specialist Council and other partners on the Youth happen and (YPSO) Young People Speak centres] will seize the opportunity to Services Strategy will help publicise this new Out and (CAPRO) Craigmillar Adventure develop some provision …. That is both provision to make sure young people know Project are the only organisations who have targeted at young people and is as open it's out there. Again, hopefully funding can been able to draw up proposals, get access as possible (nothing worse than be found not just to keep these approval and funding, recruit staff, plan finding a new passion and having to put it developments going, but also to extend the programmes and actually begin to offer on hold until the next course runs in a range of Powerbases to other interests News . young people access to a new service. years time!)' identified by young people!
LAYC, Dunford House, 7 Boroughloch Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9NL Tel. 0131 667 1828 Fax. 0131 667 9862 E-mail: [email protected] Networks is published monthly by LAYC. Views expressed in Networks are not necessarily those of LAYC.