THE NK

Youth Work and Youth Work Changes Lives

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S both in and throughout INTRODUCTION in the coming years. Until the onset of District and What an appropriate time to be Regional Councils in the mid 70’s publishing this special edition of there was a much closer linkage and The Link with the warm afterglow a clear understanding of how sport, of the in in all its guises, was one of the Glasgow still at the front of our many tools used by youth workers minds. The Games showed us many as part of a mixed programme. things not least the attraction of Youth ‘leader’ training included friendly competition, the immense myriad sessions on wet games, dry social group work process and the power and resilience of individual games, outdoor pursuits, water youth work ethos. and team efforts and the love for based activities, coaching and the of all kinds by large sections Sport and Youth Work need to rules and regulations. It was about of the community. The Clydesiders, begin to rearticulate our mutual participation, on occasion those 15,000 volunteers, showed relationships and we hope that competition and to other that people are not as selfish as these fabulous examples created as groups and clubs. It was also a sometimes is made out to be the part of the Commonwealth Games window into individual sports which case. If the cause is right the people legacy will begin that renewal and those wishing to take a more respond. The Games also saw expansion of work involving sport serious interest in could then commercial interests contributing in and youth work. pursue. a major way to the furtherance of the Games and we all hope that the What made it and makes it youth monies and ideas being put into work is the relationship between the Games legacy will bear fruit worker and young people – the

2 | The Link Gearing up for the Games with a Young Scot Youth Legacy Ambassador

Young Scot, 32 local authorities, and the have been working together over the past four years to support over 130 Youth Legacy Ambassadors to make a real impact in engaging their local communities around the lasting benefits and opportunities of the . Amiee Alexander, 20 years old, North Ayrshire Young Scot Youth Legacy Ambassador shares her experiences of being involved in the project.

Q: What is your main role as a Youth Legacy Ambassador? A: I have been a Young Scot Youth Legacy Ambassador since 2011 and I have had one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences. I have had the chance to promote the Commonwealth at Buckingham Palace. It was great Ambassador experience has been Games around the whole of my to be a part of the whole day, one that will stay with me forever local authority, inspiring the young meeting athletes and delegates and given me the skills and people while encouraging them to while representing the youth legacy experiences to be able to contribute take up an active and healthy programme. My experience has led to the community. lifestyle. me to become a mentor to the younger Ambassadors, and I Q: What is your legacy wish Q: What has been your key recently carried the Queen’s Baton for the Games 2014? highlight so far? Relay for all my volunteering work A: My legacy wish of the Games in my local community. A: I have run many events in my will hopefully be leaving a lasting local area for young people. To and positive memory for the young Q: What have you personally name one of my favourite people in my local community that I gained from being a Youth highlights… along with my fellow am trying to inspire. I would love to Legacy Ambassador? ambassadors I organised the ‘North see them getting the chance to try Ayrshire Torch Relay’, which saw 52 A: Young Scot have provided me and take up a new sport during and primary schools and every school with some amazing opportunities after Games time, which I hope pupil learn more about different to grow as a person, I have been would encourage more active and sports and cultures, and create their able to develop confidence, people healthier lifestyles amongst young own Olympic Torch and pass it on skills and organisational skills. As an people. to another school. I have also had ambassador, I have worked with a the chance to present at my local number of partners across North For more information on the council and national conferences. Ayrshire and Scotland, allowing me Young Scot Youth Legacy One of my favourite experiences to gain vital work experience which Ambassador programme and to was being asked by the First has helped me gain a part-time job take your legacy wish for the Minister to be part of the Official and secure a place at university. Games 2104, visit: launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay Overall my whole Youth Legacy www.youngscot.net

The Link | 3 Delivering beyond Sport

The Scottish Sports Association reflect on the vital role sport plays in benefiting the health, education and employment prospects of young people

The publication of the Scottish Sport initiatives through the The CashBack School of Rugby at Government’s Youth Sport Strategy ‘CashBack for Communities’ scheme Carrick Academy: ‘Giving Children and Young People are showing great promise in • 51% decrease in the number of a Sporting Chance’ is an important tackling issues of social exclusion referrals to Guidance/Senior opportunity to take sport in and re-engaging disaffected youth Management. Scotland to a new level. As is the in education and promoting health. • 94% of pupils have dramatically case for many strategies, the For example Lothian and Borders increased the amount of merits biggest challenge is in translating Police produced an analysis of the they were awarded. the words on paper into actions impact of a Street Rugby that produce results, particularly in programme and found that the Basketball Scotland has used reaching those young people number of calls received on Friday CashBack funding to create 45,000 hardest to reach with the most nights fell to levels similar to those diversionary activities for young limited resources at their disposal. received midweek. people – an announcement of furthe r funding this year will allow them to Along with various partners, The CashBack School of Rugby at create another 24,000 opportunities Scottish Governing Bodies of sport Glenwood High School, Fife: over the next three years. (SGBs) have played and continue to • 66% improvement in attitude. play a vital role in the active • 46% improvement in behaviour. As well as its positive diversionary delivery of sport on the ground. • 61% improvement in homework. effects, youth-focused sports

4 | The Link programmes continue to show the achieved their NPLQ, while 15 Some of the key achievements for correlation between participation secured jobs and 70 have become SDS Regional Managers in the last and improved educational volunteers. year have been: attainment and employment For further information: • 1020 young disabled people prospects. Research reported E: f.paterson@ have attended para sport recently in the Journal of Paediatrics scottishswimming.com development days in five advised that ‘Efforts should be regions across Scotland. made to promote physical activities Scottish Disability • 228 new athletes and players for children and adolescents that have progressed into regional involve aerobic exercises and motor Sport (SDS) squads or individual support tasks to enhance cardiorespiratory Through their current strategic plan programmes in the sports of capacity and motor ability, thereby “Inspiring through Inclusion”, SDS Athletics, Archery, Boccia, improving academic development’. develops opportunities and Cycling, Judo, , http://www.jpeds.com/content/ improves performance in sport for Swimming and Wheelchair JPEDSEstebanCornejo child athletes and players through a Basketball. Above all, much of sport’s positive Regional Manager Structure. The • 140 athletes have progressed to work with young people comes work ensures an inclusive approach represent Scotland. from successful partnerships, to the development of sporting • 30 athletes have been selected whether through local authorities, pathways. for UK programmes. Governing Bodies of Sport, or charities such as SAMH and many more. The case studies referenced in this article are Case Study a true testimony to the importance of sport and its wide reaching Martin Perry is a effects – continued investment in triple amputee achieving its various positive who was fully outcomes will serve societies well. included in his mainstream PE For further information: sessions. He was http://thessa.org.uk/ identified by his Active School Co- ordinator and Scottish Swimming’s Swim4Change encouraged to Programme is a leadership attend a programme for young people aged Paralympic 16-24 years who are not in Pathway Festival education, employment or training organised by the (NEET) or are in danger of falling Regional Managers for the West of Scotland – he was supported by a into this category. Young people Regional Manager to attend Drumchapel Table Tennis Club. As Martin taking part gain nationally had no hands the Regional Manager supported him to access support recognised qualifications with from the Southern General Hospital Prosthetics Department to develop mentoring support providing entry a specially designed bat to fit on his arm. Martin very quickly progressed level qualifications into the leisure to be selected for the National Table Tennis Squad in 2010 and the SDS industry. The vision is to educate Academy. and encourage young people (from disadvantaged communities) to His hard work and determination paid off by being selected for the GB become swimming/aquatic Pathways Squad in 2013 – his dream being to represent GB in the Rio instructors and help them to gain 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. On top of this he has gained volunteer experience, paid qualifications to coach the younger members of the club and is pursuing employment or entry into further a career in sport by going to University to do a degree in Sports education. Coaching. Watch this space for an incredibly inspiring young man in Rio 2016. Since it began, nearly 200 young people have gone through the For further information: programme, resulting in 133 new E [email protected] swimming teachers. About 70 have

The Link | 5 An adventure under sail for the Commonwealth Games

Clyde – what does that word mean within one of the most renowned to you? To most in Scotland, it’s a sailing grounds in the world – the river; to a few, it’s a canal. However, West Coast of Scotland. this year, Clyde was the face of the The Small Ships Race and the Commonwealth Games when it Commonwealth Flotilla took place came to Glasgow, and everyone at the end of July, 100 young knew the character and his name. people from all over the UK raced Nevertheless, there is an irony in against each other on sail training the use of Clyde – the irony being vessels, exemplifying the sail that there are no official training ethos of diversity, Commonwealth Games sporting friendship and celebration. The events taking place on the Clyde, crews raced around the lower Clyde and the boating legacy of the – an estimated 50 nautical miles – Commonwealth itself is not and then came together for a party represented. Ocean Youth Trust in Portavadie to watch the opening Scotland is helping to change that, ceremony of the Games on giant in partnership with the Royal screen TVs. The Commonwealth Yachting Association Scotland. Flotilla took place on 25-27 July and the Glasgow area who are currently OYT Scotland is a world leading was quite some spectacle with 250 completing undergraduate degrees. youth work charity based in vessels travelling up the Clyde. OYT Scotland Chief Executive Nick Greenock, delivering an annual OYT Scotland entered two boats Fleming commented: “To have the programme of residential youth into the Small Ships Race, Alba chance to showcase one of work voyages, taking 650 young Endeavour and Alba Volunteer. Alba Scotland’s finest sports to the people a year to sea, aboard its Endeavour was crewed by the nation is an extraordinary fleet of sail training vessels. They Scotland and Northern Ireland Air sail with young people from a wide opportunity. So many people Training Corps and they helped to range of backgrounds and believe that sailing is for the rich organise a mini-Commonwealth experience throughout Scotland and famous, but we’re here to Games on the first night of the and beyond from 12 to 25 years of show that it isn’t. Anyone can come event to allow all of the crews to age. RYA Scotland is the governing sailing, all you need is mingle and relax. The Alba body of sailing in Scotland. determination – we can teach you Volunteer was sailed by four young the rest”. Together these two organisations people from the Robertson worked to deliver two events Scholarship Trust which supports For further information visit: showcasing the diversity of sailing approximately 200 young people in www.oytscotland.org.uk

6 | The Link Coaching for life

South Lanarkshire prove peer • Promote community education benefits the community involvement as a whole. through Sportworx and Danceworx is a 13 volunteering. week Big Lottery funded programme • Assist young people which provides young people aged reach their potential 15-19 from across South Lanarkshire through certificated with opportunities and skills to sports/dance become sport/dance coaches. qualifications. work, relationship development Participants gain nationally Sportworx Entertainment is a young within new groups and diversionary recognised qualifications and real person led organisation. The group engagement. life practical experience whilst is run by past and present Sportworx/ The group have been recognised being mentored by experienced Danceworx trainees. This project with a number of prestigious youth workers and sport/dance develops skilled peer leaders who awards such as the Diana Award, coaches. It is a unique opportunity can deliver and evaluate free, fun, YAFTA Award and Phillip Lawrence for young people to develop their educational and healthy activities to Awards. These awards were given coaching skills, confidence and youth/community groups who need to the group for their outstanding experience while progressing support across South Lanarkshire. work in the community. towards further education, employment and sustained The educational activities include The Entertainment peer educators volunteering in their community. team building, communication are a great example of what young games, fun activities, sports specific people can achieve and they are a workshops, birthday parties, Aims: credit to youth learning services. holiday programmes and the • Help unemployed young people Their actions enhance the sporting promotion of healthy lifestyles. In into work. and wellbeing capacity within the current climate of cutting costs, • Give school leavers a realistic communities which in turn these opportunities have been learning alternative to school. increases the opportunities for invaluable in helping youth clubs • Persuade non-attenders to stay excluded young people to engage. and community groups entertain in school and work on this and educate their young people. For further information contact: programme as part of their David Brown, Youth Learning timetable. The initial focus of these Services, Sportworx/Danceworx • Encourage young people to programmes is to support local Team Leader. develop and nurture new skills youth groups/clubs and assist them E: [email protected] and build community capacity. with issues such as inter area youth T: 01698 552112.

The Link | 7 Mind, body and soul

At Polmont Young Offenders support of testicular cancer charity Institution you might expect to see Grab Life by the Balls. The group young people active in the gym, raised over £300 for the charity with lifting weights and jogging the tournament, which is just one treadmills, but that is just the example of the many ways they use starting point for the fully their interest in sport for social integrated programme of physical good. activity, volunteering and They are also able to use their DofE community engagement that doing to broaden their skills and try new a Duke of ’s (DofE) activities. One young person took Award opens up to them. part in the contemporary dance them develop leadership skills The DofE at Polmont Young project in Polmont as part of his through the Sports Leader Awards Offenders Institution (YOI) is run in Physical Section. He had no and instructor courses, which they partnership with Barnardos previous experience with dance, but use for their DofE Skills Section. Scotland and the PE department. fell in love with it. Now that he’s Lisa Hogg, DofE Coordinator at The Physical Section is run by the PE left the YOI he’s still involved with Polmont YOI sees the difference the team and it ties into the dance and has taken it so far as to DofE makes to the participants: Volunteering and Skills sections run join a college course in dance and “After taking part they are able to by Barnardos. performing arts. take their experience back into the This partnership is important Speaking about his experience he community when they are released because for many of the young said: “DofE has given me the and continue that positive offenders, doing their Physical confidence and belief in myself that involvement, as did the young section is the hook into doing the I can achieve. It was a fantastic person involved in the dance DofE. Many of them are keen to experience and has helped me enrol project. Doing their DofE opens stay active and many were not in a college as well as helping me them up to different forms of sport, necessarily involved in sport before gain employment when I was but also different ways of coming to Polmont. The DofE team released.” developing themselves”. uses their interest in sport to get The DofE helps young offenders to For further information: them thinking about volunteering develop their leadership and E: [email protected] and developing their skills. interpersonal skills as well. Again, T: 0131 343 0920. Most recently, the DofE group ran a this is often done through their tennis tournament to fundraise in involvement with sport. Many of

8 | The Link Sport in partnership Stepping to a rural beat

The KLC 629 Project is based at Kirkintilloch Leisure In conjunction with Glasgow based youth dance project, Centre and is a partnership initiative between CLD Young Y-Dance, the Highland Active Schools Team organised a People’s Services, East Dunbartonshire Leisure and series of one day workshops for teenage girls, designed Culture Trust, Community Safety Partnership (CSP), to boost self-confidence and teach leadership skills Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and Police Scotland. The through the medium of dance. Over 500 girls, from project offers young people aged 8-17 alternative things 13-18 years of age, took part in these workshops which to do on a Saturday evening. were delivered in every high school in the Highland area.

Badminton; Basketball; Dance; Fitness Suite; The girls were then invited to apply for a week long Level Football; Swimming; Tennis; Youth Achievement 1 Dance Leadership course. These were held in Fort Award; Youth based workshops. William and in the February holiday, with a The KLC 629 project for young people was praised in a further three courses in Wick, Dingwall and Nairn in the recent report from The Care Inspectorate for helping to Easter holidays. Project results: improve community safety and significantly reduce anti- • Over 500 girls undertook a one day course in dance social behaviour in the area. Since the project began in leadership, with a focus on fun, personal November 2009, local incidents of anti-social behaviour, development and learning peer coaching techniques which includes underage drinking, violence, disorder and in a supportive environment. associated vandalism, have dropped by 34.4%. • 45 girls from S3-6 went on to successfully complete a The success of the project has resulted in additional nationally recognised qualification course, the Level 1 funding from the CSP to pilot a similar project in Dance Leadership Award. Bishopbriggs. • Feedback from the courses delivered indicates that participants increased in confidence whilst learning to Key features: deliver fun, well-structured and safe sessions. • Young people supported and taking part in a range of sporting activities. • Participants developed their choreography skills and • Qualified staff delivering activities with Continual learnt new dance moves to incorporate into their own Professional Development built in. routines. • Sustaining levels of participation (number average • The courses were also an opportunity for girls from 130 every Saturday). different high schools to mix, particularly significant • Links with local clubs and youth groups supported. for girls who attended from rural areas. • Pathways into sports and talent recognition. • The dance leaders will now be supported by their • Reducing crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. Active Schools Co-ordinators, to deliver sessions in • Partnership with Police and young people leading to their local primary schools, where they will be positive improved relationships. role models and increase levels of fitness and activity. Introduction of Youth Achievement and Dynamic • This project demonstrates the potential of effective Youth Awards. partnership working between external agencies and • Building relationships with staff, young people and active schools. This creates more opportunities for both their parents. secondary and primary age pupils. A positive environ- • Partnership approach project has gained a positive ment for young people to grow and develop is achieved. reputation. For further information: For further information: E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 0141 777 3031. T: 01463 663808.

The Link | 9 Leadership through sport in the wild

The Mark Scott Leadership for Life have participated in the award Award is a unique project for The since its inauguration. Outward Bound Trust in Scotland The programme begins with which tackles sectarianism and sixth-year pupils from partner encourages acceptance of diversity schools across Central Scotland within their neighbourhoods. within Scotland’s younger attending a presentation given by Recent examples include an generation, through a combination Outward Bound staff. Successful intergenerational project in St. of outdoor and community based applicants from three or four Joseph’s elderly care home in learning. This award programme schools in the same area are put Glasgow and a painting and started in 1997 following the death into clusters of 12-14 young people renovation project at St. Margaret’s of Mark Scott, a 16- year old to work in project teams. The teams Hospice in . Glasgow schoolboy, who was complete a one week residential murdered in an unprovoked The Trust’s evaluation of the course at one of The Outward sectarian attack the previous year. programme in its most recent Social Bound Trust’s residential centres at Impact Report found that three key April this year saw 179 young Loch Eil in Scotland or Howtown in qualities were developed by people from 57 schools across the Lake District. participants: their capacity for Central Scotland receiving The Mark building relationships; a solid Scott Leadership for Life Award The residential is made up of foundation of personal and which was presented by Louise dynamic outdoor activities, which emotional skills and a lasting Martin, Chair of sportscotland and can include rock climbing, enthusiasm for challenge and Vice Chair of the Organising abseiling, raft building and an achievement. Committee of the 2014 expedition which give the Commonwealth Games and Lesley participants an experience of team For further information: Thomson, Solicitor General. work and personal challenge. E: martin.davidson@ Classroom sessions also provide outwardbound.org.uk The Mark Scott Foundation and The teaching transferable business skills W: www.markscottleadershipfor Outward Bound Trust developed such as presentations, finance, lifeaward.org.uk the 10 month long programme project management and planning. T: 0141 413 0244. with clear aims and objectives of breaking down young people’s Once home, each project team prejudices about religion and race continues to meet with its Outward and to work effectively together. Bound instructor over six months to Now entering into its sixteenth year, plan and deliver projects which a total of 2,118 young people will have a practical and positive impact

10 | The Link Drop-in for change

The Kick Bop One Shop Drop-in with positive adult role models to Pilot was initially developed with encourage peer support we have young people in mind with a focus been able to build relationships exploring issues like body image, on improving life chances, with the young people which has obesity, emotional and mental empowering young people, allowed us to come together health issues such as depression. In individually and collectively, to collectively. We have been able to these sessions we have touched on make changes in their lives and in plan together a programme of risk taking behaviours, sexual their communities. Through activities/group-work for the young health/substance misuse with an learning, personal development, people to take part in which emphasis on keeping yourself safe active participation and citizenship. contributes to their fitness, physical and building young people’s This pilot has been running for 16 and mental well-being as well as resilience. We now have three weeks now, attendance on average building and developing this young volunteers, one of whom each evening is between 40- 50 project. came through the family resilience young people aged between 11 project, who are helping develop We have an area in the project and 17. There are now 145 young this pilot on a weekly basis, gaining resourced to provide access to people accessing the Drop-in from many valuable skills which paves signposting to other agencies and all backgrounds. the way towards more positive organisations, provide issue based destinations. We, including the The Drop-in is based around booklets and we are now delivering young people, are now looking to Healthy Living and Well-being themed workshops based around expand this pilot project by where young people can take part healthy living on a weekly basis. consulting with the young people in a number of sporting activities This has included healthy living to offer a summer programme. such as dance tasters, football with based around a healthy diet, Eat SFA coaching, hockey, karate, Well Plate, and promoting a varied For further information: etc. They can access 1-1 diet including fruit and vegetables. E: [email protected] support, advice and guidance T: 0131 271 3434. A big part of our focus is to deliver through our highly skilled youth group-work on positive workers and partner agencies on a relationships, communication skills, weekly basis. exploring thoughts and feelings, By providing a safe environment values and beliefs through

The Link | 11 A diet of football

Footy Tea with FC immediately followed by a ‘home the youngsters have learned new Community Trust are combining cooked’ healthy meal every Tuesday skills, enhanced their confidence, healthy eating with the beautiful at Pittodrie Stadium. In addition the tasted new foods, and significantly game, what’s not to love! young people have learned how to widened their experiences. set the table, how to behave at the Since August 2013, 20 young The opportunities given to the dinner table, and how to wash and people from Seaton Primary School Footy Tea participants range from a tidy up after their meal. have been participating in the Footy trip to Hampden for ‘My First Tea programme, which is funded by The programme has not only helped Scotland Game’, visits from 1st the Army Children’s Charity the youngsters become more active team Aberdeen Players and the (TACC). Over the past 10 months and improve their football skills, Aberdeen manager as well as the young people have taken part but they have been encouraged to getting the chance to play on the in over 40 hours of football work as a team throughout the Pittodrie pitch at half time at an coaching, delivered by Aberdeen FC coaching sessions and at the dinner. SPFL match. Community Trust Coaches, By participating in the programme

12 | The Link The Headmistress at Seaton people involved, but the families have been a part in supporting this Primary, Agnes Ross, has been very are enjoying seeing their children young person through a difficult supportive of the programme and gain new life experiences and skills time in their life, on and off the she regularly attends sessions. She from the programme. pitch development has been visible has seen the whole programme for all to see. They scored a great One parent said: delivered and believes the project goal last week too, watching Adam really does inject confidence in “A few years ago my child would Rooney at the League Cup Final young people: not have walked into a room of must have rubbed off on them!” strangers, over the past few Dean McBain, Apprentice “One child in particular was very months their confidence and self- Aberdeen FC Community isolated and had great difficulty in belief has skyrocketed and everyone Trust Coach being friends with other children. comments… they now believe in Through the perseverance and their ability and words will never Overall, the programme has been a dedication of the coaches that express my thanks for that… A huge success and it is great to see young person has now begun to mix special thanks to all at AFC these young people flourish. more freely, show far greater Community Trust”. Everyone at AFC is looking forward participation and will strive to Pupils Mother. to continuing the programme next achieve in a way which before they year and making a difference to would have rejected. They have The staff at Aberdeen FC these people’s lives. finally begun to achieve success and Community Trust have also noticed their continuing development in this a difference in some of the young area is great to see each week”. people throughout the programme: For further information: And the programme is not only “The transformation is E: [email protected] having an impact on the young immeasurable. I am so proud to T: 01224 650457.

The Link | 13 Taking pride in the games

July and August were an action The Commonwealth Games Youth packed couple of months for LGBT Programme was a vital and exciting Youth Scotland as we plunged head part of this work. The activities on first into celebrating the Common- offer included a Hip Hop dance wealth Games and the legacy they class, boating, ice skating, and promise to leave for Scotland’s trampolining, which took place young people. In partnership with across Glasgow, Edinburgh, in outdoor activities and socialise in LEAP Sports, we offered a whole , Inverness and Perth. This a safe environment. programme of events young people work also tied in with our Game took part in around the Common- Changers project, which aims to get All in all, we were kept on our toes wealth Games in connection with young LGBT people involved in here at LGBT Youth Scotland this Pride House Glasgow. some of the many LGBT friendly summer and we hope that as many sports teams across Scotland. At young people as possible were too! Based on our work with young Pride Glasgow, the Game Changers For updates over the coming people and our 2013 Game offered a sports taster obstacle months, follow us @LGBTYS and Changers consultation into young course and at the closing weekend like us on facebook.com/LGBTYS. people’s attitudes towards the of Pride House they hosted indoor Commonwealth Games and sport, See all the events offered in the games and competitions, as well as we know that LGBT people do not Youth Programme: a Q&A with LGBT athletes. always feel as confident as their https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/files/ peers to participate in sports, often For the final fun-filled weekend of documents/Youth_programme.pdf as a result of either real or the Youth Programme at the end of Find our Game Changer perceived prejudice. We believe that August, the Game Changers put on consultation report here: participation in sports can play an a Legacy Sports Challenge Fair https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/ important role in improving health where young people had the news/gamechanger and wellbeing, both physically and opportunity to try out different mentally, which is why we are sports and sign up for future working to promote equal access to events. The TRANSport residential sports by providing opportunities to took place the same weekend, LGBT young people to engage in providing transgender young sporting activities. people with the chance to take part

14 | The Link A Commonwealth of equals?

Joshua McCormick MSYP. Justice Convener of the Scottish Youth Parliament discusses what Scotland’s 2014 message to the International Community should be

Humanity, Equality and Destiny is the motto of the Commonwealth games.

In 1891 Reverend Astley Cooper suggested a pan-Britannic/ pan- Anglican contest and festival every four years with the aim of increasing goodwill and understanding in the British Empire: the spark of life given to the newly born idea of the Commonwealth Games. However, the Reverend would not find his idea truly implemented until 1930 when eleven nations took part in the British Empire Games in Hamilton, Canada. The Commonwealth Games have changed and evolved over the decades, becoming inclusive to women in 1950 and people with disabilities in 1962. However, in recent years, colonial British Laws. These laws Glasgow was very much in the disadvantaged groups across the may not still exist within our legal spotlight as the Commonwealth Commonwealth have seen an framework, but still remain within Games arrived in the city. The eyes exponential increase in violations our society and passively of the world fixed on Scotland towards their human rights and a perpetuate human rights violations. watching, waiting, and anticipating complete disregard to recognise With the eyes of the world fixed on greatness. With expectations those rights by many of the Glasgow, the Games must be used becoming greater and greater as member nations. Furthermore, to begin a constructive dialogue the opening ceremony approached, many minority groups within between nations, a dialogue which questions were being asked, will Commonwealth countries have aims to fundamentally recognise Glasgow deliver not only a great continually seen freedom of speech and promote comprehensive games but a better future for the and expression repealed, in many protection for all individuals’ and country, and what will Scotland’s cases promoting further their human rights. message to the international discrimination, greater violence, community be? and in extreme cases, the death of The Commonwealth Games has vulnerable individuals. given Glasgow the opportunity to The Scottish Youth Parliament’s create a legacy wider reaching and Justice Committee recognise the It is important to recognise the with a greater impact than anyone changing landscape of the country Commonwealth is not the only could imagine. It’s time for with the construction of new place where human rights Glasgow and Scotland to take the sporting facilities, more affordable violations occur, and it is a first step and begin a dialogue of sporting activities for young people, misconception to believe all human fundamental recognition and and a greater equality and rights violations within the protection of human rights. inclusiveness being shown to Commonwealth occur in African disadvantaged groups in respect to nations; many violations come from Joshua McCormick MSYP sporting opportunities. outdated and highly discriminative Justice Convener

The Link | 15 Georgie Williams carries the baton DofE Scotland Commonwealth Youth Summit for Perth & Kinross Guides

Tanya Chapman, Girls’ Brigade The Boys’ Brigade are piping hot for the Games Scotland

Onthank young boxers host Team Canada Boxing Squad Young Scot Legacy Wishes on Glasgow Green

16 | The Link In the swim for the Games with East Ayrshire Youth Worker, Emma Laverie is swept off her feet by Clyde

Police Scotland volunteers with Midlothian’s Bi Ski Downhill with Ocean Youth Trust on the Clyde the baton Commonwealth Flotilla

Youth Legacy Ambassadors from the Highlands & Islands LGBT young people enjoy the Games

The Link | 17 Spreading the sporting message

The North Lanarkshire Youth Legacy Most recently, the group secured Ambassadors (YLAs) are a group of ‘Celebrate It’ Lottery funding to young people who have been involve young people in making a working together in their own film about Lanarkshire’s links to the communities to promote the legacy Commonwealth Games. This of the Glasgow 2014 Common- involved researching and wealth Games, under the four interviewing local Commonwealth legacy themes: Active, Sustainable, athletes (past and present) in As recognition of their achievements Flourishing and Connected. addition to featuring up and and commitment to the role, four coming young stars who currently YLAs were honoured to carry the The YLAs are supported by a staff train in the area, across a number of Queen’s Baton when it visited North member from North Lanarkshire disciplines. The film was premiered Lanarkshire in June, and the whole Community Learning and Develop- at a community event recently, and group received tickets to attend ment youth work team, and receive the young people involved were Commonwealth Games events. They support nationally from Young Scot. proud to showcase their are in the process of accrediting achievements and acknowledge the their experiences via Saltire and The YL As have taken a peer additional benefits they gained Youth Achievement Awards. It just education approach to getting from being involved in the project, goes to prove that using sport as a their ‘Active’ message out. They such as improving their ability to vehicle within youth work really have delivered Commonwealth work in a team. does pay off. Games themed workshops in schools across North Lanarkshire The YLAs are now busy planning For further information: with the aim of enthusing children their next project, a football E: [email protected] and young people about the games tournament, where local youth T: 01236 812636. in addition to encouraging an teams can compete for the active, healthy lifestyle. They have ‘Commonwealth Cup’. Tony, one of linked with local sports clubs to the organisers hopes that through promote activities to local this project the participants will communities and consulted with have a really enjoyable experience local young people on the new and feel motivated to continue national draft sports strategy. playing team sports.

18 | The Link Teen spirit

Sports Camps are great opportunities for clubs and teams to make use of Scotland’s fantastic residential facilities. Your teams and members will reach new levels of performance by participating in multi-day camps and injecting fun activities into your sport experiences. At our three Scottish Outdoor Education Centres (SOEC): Belmont, Broomlee and Dounans, we work with many teams, clubs and sports organisations covering everything from football to orienteering, rugby to archery, and hockey, martial arts and rowing. Whether you’re looking for a venue for 20 or 200, SOEC can provide for you. Many people enjoy the opportunities afforded by a residential camp to combine use of innovative outdoor spaces, accommodation, good food and the close proximity of pitches and classrooms. SOEC can also support your aims with added-value activities. Some clubs work with our tutors for team building and to strengthen group cohesion. Others use our challenge events to invigorate competitive spirit. In either case, clubs can make use of the wide range of on-site activities such as rope courses, problem solving challenges and zip wires. We can provide experiences to complement skills development for your sport when the weather is against you. For example, when snow conditions let you down, ski clubs might undertake a course in our grounds interspersed with archery, simulating the challenges of the biathlon. Here are some examples of how groups use our Centres: • Mountain biking groups use Dounans for an annual competition going straight from the centre into trails in the National Park while others use Broomlee when en route to Glentress. • Over 150 international competitors used Belmont for an international orienteering event accessing several good local courses. • Hill walking groups and Nordic walkers make our centres their base for more leisurely sporting activity while others, such as residential fitness boot camps, can be more frenetic. • Clubs and schools stay with us to attend major events such as the rugby internationals at Murrayfield. They like the opportunity to stretch their legs on our pitches after travelling and put into practice what they’ve seen in the game. The residential sports camp offers fantastic creative opportunities, limited only by our imagination. SOEC has a wealth of experience so why not talk to us about your ideas. You’ll be amazed at what you can do. For further information: W: www.soec.org.uk

The Link | 19 Get a move on

Youth Scotland’s Youth Active Barriers’ Project in Cornton Vale Programme provides opportunities Prison in January 2014 in for young people to be active in all partnership with the Scottish Prison senses of the word in their Service. ‘Breaking Barriers’ is a community and encourages them pioneering project allowing female to motivate their peers to take an prisoners to become more involved provides a new approach to certain aspects of their lives. ‘Breaking active approach to life. It provides in the gym environment, using it as Barriers’ also allows the women to young people with the opportunity a place to develop life skills, build access and gain accreditation to gain experiences, qualifications confidence, self-esteem and take on through Youth Scotland’s Youth and develop personally and leadership roles. The project has Achievement awards which is part professionally. worked with over 200 young women and works towards of the Scottish Credit and Youth Scotland strives for young achieving more positive life Qualifications Framework. people to reach their potential outcomes. A current programme through these opportunities and being delivered is ‘Positive Me’ Step to the beat reaches across Scotland making which is an eight week programme Youth Scotland through their flag- access inclusive and for all. encouraging the women to have a ship ‘Girls on the Move’ programme positive view of their bodies and contributes towards the Scottish Breaking through become more physically active in Government’s Active Girls Strategy. Youth Scotland works with young their daily lives. The programme ‘Girls on the Move’ delivers people from all backgrounds and provides them with positive leadership programmes across the recently launched the ‘Breaking opportunities and hopefully length and breadth of Scotland

20 | The Link providing girls and young women wouldn’t normally see cycling as on a development and leadership with qualifications in sport and part of their lives – Minority Ethnic course so they can become Bike dance leadership and youth communities, young people with Club leaders in their own com- achievement awards, all of which disabilities, as well as young munities. Our Bike Club Develop- are nationally recognised. The women and men from ment Officer will act as a mentor, programme also provides young disadvantaged areas. supporting the young leaders as women and girls with opportunities they develop and supporting them Thanks to funding from the Scottish to develop life skills contributing to set up Bike Clubs. Government’s Legacy 2014 and towards their employability. ‘Girls Glasgow City Council, Bike Club is For further information: on the Move’ is delivered with a about to launch a new phase in E: rebecca.simpson@ range of partners including local Glasgow. Bike Club will be working youthscotland.org authorities, active schools, youth intensively with 15 young people T: 0131 554 2561. groups and leisure trusts. In September the leaders of the project will take part in a national conference which will be a great opportunity to learn new skills and share ideas, which in turn will engage more young people to get moving.

Training the future The Youth Active Programme provides training and courses for those who work with young people to ensure there is sustainability and quality and equality of opportunity. Youth Scotland through partnership with Scottish Sports Futures and CashBack for Communities have developed ‘Education through CashBack’ which has been rolled out to governing bodies, youth workers and sport coaches. The training explores the relationship between sport and the youth work approach. Youth Scotland has also developed a sport based resource for delivering dynamic youth achievement to make it easier for sport coaches to accredit the work of the young people who take part.

On yer bike Bike Club is a partnership with CTC, the national cycling charity. The club works to enthuse young people about getting out and about on bikes. Since 2010 it has worked with over 90 organisations and 6,500 young people across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Falkirk, Fife and Glasgow. The focus of Bike Club is on working with those from backgrounds and communities that

The Link | 21 Another string to the bow

In May, over 1,500 Guides and and try out new adventurous Senior Section members got the activities in a safe environment. Feedback received included: chance to experience a day of fun Members aged 10-19 had an “Adventure 2014 has made and exciting outdoors activities amazing time trying out a wide my daughter realise she can through Adventure 2014. With the range of activities including abseiling, achieve things she didn’t know help of Strategic Partnership kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, she could do”. Funding, Girlguiding Scotland were windsurfing, archery, climbing, raft able to deliver affordable adventure “Adventure 2014 gave my building, caving, paddle boarding, events to girls and young women orienteering, zip line and leap of daughter the opportunity to who may not otherwise have had faith. In true Guiding spirit even the camp for the first time, and this opportunity. occasional rain showers and try sailing and archery, as well Events like Adventure 2014 are thunderstorms didn’t dampen the as meeting a wealth of girls hugely popular amongst girls’ enthusiasm while trying out from all over Scotland”. Girlguiding members, proving the the activities. “Guides is the best thing that demand for exciting outdoor Adventure 2014 took place at four has happened to my daughter activities from young people. By centres spread across Scotland: who lacks confidence. These providing opportunities like adventure days are wonderful Adventure 2014, Girlguiding • Netherurd Training and Activity for encouraging her to mix Scotland enable girls and young Centre (The ), and try new things”. women to challenge themselves, • Fordell Firs (Fife), Galloway build confidence, learn new skills Activity Centre “Adventure 2014 gave my (Kirkudbrightshire) daughter a great opportunity • Fairburn Activity Centre

GgLP _BL _C to get active, meet other

(Ross-shire). Guides and develop practical For further information: skills”. W: www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk

22 | The Link A TANGIBLE LEGACY A case study in partnership working from Active East

Active East is a Scottish Sports Futures managed completing a Level 2 in sports leadership. The second programme designed to increase levels of physical ‘Young People Taking the Lead’, which is a new activity, enable young people to develop personally programme, has six Active Champions as peer and address health inequalities within the East of mentors. All Active Champions are working towards a Glasgow. The aim is to build a genuine legacy for the Youth Achievement Award at either Bronze, Silver, community, using the 2014 Commonwealth Games as Gold or Platinum level. a catalyst, leaving behind skilled young people, Working with Street Games has allowed Active organisations and active communities. Champions to access national residential training To achieve this on a local level Active East works with events with young people from across the UK. At the existing sport and youth organisations, providing a most recent StreetGames Youth Conference and Awards platform for them to come together, supporting them night Active East swept the board with four awards through small grants and placing young volunteers going to Active Champions which included a Personal within their clubs and groups. There are currently 54 Development Award and UK volunteer of the year. Active Champions, aged 14-25 volunteering across 32 Sports Leaders have provided tutor training for the partner organisations in the North East of Glasgow. Active East community and is the qualification of These young volunteers have an interest in sport and choice in the form of Sports Leaders Level 1 and Level 2 physical activity in its widest sense from leading which like the Youth Achievement Awards, sits on the delivery and coaching to organising, evaluating, SCQF framework. Most recently this partnership has officiating as well as just ensuring other young people enabled the opportunity for Active Champions and have access to positive activity. organisations to plan and deliver their own community Active East does not reinvent the wheel but instead games event on the 25 July just one mile from the links with local organisations and works strategically Emirates Arena with supermarket giant ASDA. with national organisations to maximise impact. Active East has many more partners and is a true Scotland wide Active East works closely with Youth collaboration from start to finish including funding Scotland, StreetGames, Sports Leaders and Sported to and support from joint investment between The name but a few. Robertson Trust, Sport Relief and The Big Lottery. Partnerships have led to co-hosted events, including With young people at its heart Active East aims to two residentials with Youth Scotland: Youth Active prove that Legacy is a real and tangible thing and not team resulting in referrals from the ‘Girls on the just a word. Move’ programme to Active East, where youngsters For further information: Scottish Sports Futures have been mentored to stay involved and will soon be E: [email protected]. T: 0141 218 4640.

The Link | 23 Georgi Black, Weightlifter Lifting the bar for sporting success East Ayrshire Council are on a mission to support our athletic champions of the future

The Young People, Sports and partner’s leisure facilities. To be Diversion Team in partnership with eligible for this strand of support, East Ayrshire Sports Council offer athletes must be a National athletes with recognised sporting representative in their chosen sport potential within East Ayrshire both or be a Junior/Senior National financial and practical support Champion. through our Talented Athlete Support Programme. Through our Podium Potential offers athletes a programme we have helped many £1000 award with the free year young athletes to represent in their long gym pass to local partner’s chosen sporting disciplines for leisure facilities. To be eligible for Scotland and Great Britain. Peter this strand of support, athletes Kirkbride, Georgi Black, Sophie must be part of the GB Squad or Smyth (Weightlifting), Mark Bennett National Squad for events such as (Rugby 7’s) and Claire Johnston the Olympics, Commonwealth (Lawn ) have all been selected Games, Paralympics or Winter to represent Scotland at this year’s Paralympics. Commonwealth Games, with Peter Support is also offered through our previously representing GB at Special Olympic Talented Athlete Passing the ball London 2012 Olympics. Over the Support Programme, specifically for Within East Ayrshire we work very last five years the Talented Athlete athletes with a learning disability closely with local sports clubs, Support Programme has supported who have been selected to compete helping to up skill the young over 100 local athletes who are at regional, national or world participants within their clubs National and GB athletes or games. The next Special Olympics through Community Sports Leader National and GB Champions. will take place in Los Angeles 2015. Athletes can apply for one of two Awards and financial support funding strands available through For further information: towards National Governing Body this programme. Developing E: kevin.wells@east- Qualifications. The young people Potential offers an award of £200 ayrshire.gov.uk from the club are then in return plus a free annual gym pass to local T: 01563 57 6314. able to lead sessions of their own

24 | The Link to other children, young people and adults with disabilities from their own community. A great example of this is Bonnyton Football Club who, with the aid of East Ayrshire Council & East Ayrshire Sports Council, put their younger players through coaching qualifications and in return the young people from the club now coach Bonnyton Thistle Disability Football.

In the midnight hour East Ayrshire Council Vibrant Com- munities section introduced a pro- After the initial engagement, young project in any way they see fit. gramme called ‘Youth Action Team’ people with inherent skill sets, Whether that is through (YAT) in 2014. The YAT strategically including leadership, charisma and constituting the group to apply for targets an area with high enthusiasm, are offered the funding in order to maintain incidences of anti-social behaviour opportunity to gain qualifications, sessions or support and advice to and puts in place positive, youth training and volunteer widen their impact. focused activities which young opportunities which allow them to people wouldn’t normally get the The YAT have completed three actively contribute to the way these chance to partake in. interventions within the East activities are run. This provides an Ayrshire area, all with different The YAT is a holistic approach to increased focus on the young outcomes, which the young people addressing the problem of anti- people during activities, increasing showcased in front of local guests social behaviour within particular the relevance of YAT and also and released virally through social communities which involves using engages the target audience with media sites. The outcomes ranged both the ‘Displacement’ and role models from their own from gaining casual Skate Park ‘Therapeutic Prevention’ models of community which is effective in volunteers and seeing a 100% Diversionary Sport Intervention. The promoting opportunities and increase at the local BOS ML, to the programme incorporates sport, broadening life goals. formation of a band who sports leadership, youth work and From this point the young people performed at the showcase event youth training to provide a long are supported to progress the and recorded a music video. term, sustainable solution to the perceived problem of youth disorder. Utilising positive sporting activities such as the Scottish Football Association’s nationally run Midnight Leagues (BOS ML) and East Ayrshire Council’s own mobile skate park, as well as a wide range of arts, media and dance programmes. The YAT staff actively engage young people in these activities at the times when local communities are at most risk of anti-social behaviour. This method of displacement alleviates the initial problem, however it is the development of the activities and training that is the most empowering. Peter Kirkbride National and GB Champion

The Link | 25 Commonwealth on the Isles

sport scotland and Young Scot Sport Panel member Chris Sellar from Edinburgh said:

“It was a great experience to travel to and contribute to the Young People’s Sports Conference. The event went really well and seemed to engage and inspire a number of young people.

“It was important for the Young People’s Sort Panel to experience sport in a rural community, appreciating both the benefits and challenges this brings. Youth legacy Ambassadors: Holly King, “It was also very rewarding Luke Smith, Vicky Anderson (Support Worker), Charlie Unsworth, Morag Maver sharing with the Shetland (Support Worker), Stewart Hornal. community our journey as young leaders and the activity the panel have been involved Shetland’s Youth Legacy with over the last two years”. Ambassadors planned a two day sports conference for children aged The variety of different leaders and 12+ with support from Youth events allowed the conference to Services and Active Schools. The be a roaring success as it meant conference aimed to promote the young people of all interests were Commonwealth Games, an active involved and able to try new things lifestyle, highlight the variety of sport), Compose an Anthem, whilst celebrating the Common- different sports people can be Jazzercise and Coaching wealth Games. Shetland’s Youth involved in and to increase the Opportunities to name a few – Legacy Ambassadors really benefit- participation of young people young people had a vast choice of ted from having the opportunity to involved in sport in Shetland. accredited courses, information and organise such an event and their This was achieved through active sessions. These sessions were confidence has increased, they have discovered more of their strengths developing a programme of run by a variety of different people: and have identified areas for activities that included a variety of coaches; local sports athletes; YLAs improvement. Massive sports that are available in the and Sports Panel members. We congratulations must be given for Commonwealth Games and sports had five British Commonwealth their efforts in allowing such a large that are available in Shetland. With Athletes who came up from the event to be so successful. around 25 different activities that Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust to young people could participate in run sessions in Fencing, Gymnastics, For further information: over the two days such as; Hockey, Athletics, Squash as well as team E: [email protected] Badminton, Boccia (a Paralympic building sessions. T: 01595 745118.

26 | The Link Where two strategies meet

Mary Allison, Head of Strategic Plan- influence what happens and to take ning for sportscotland looks at how up positions of leadership in school the new youth sport strategy and and community sport. We have also influence and shape the future of the national youth work strategy worked to ensure that young sport in Scotland and to raise the will complement each other. people’s contribution to the profile of sport to young people. development of Scottish sport is One of the key principles in In June 2014 the Scottish recognised and rewarded. Over the establishing the sport panel is that Government published Scotland’s last four years we have developed a they will inform sportscotland’s youth sport strategy for children range of opportunities for young work and that we will embed the and young people ‘Our Sporting people to influence and lead in sport: practice of involving, listening to Future’. This strategy has a clear and taking on board the views of aspiration to ensure that “ Scotland • Young Ambassadors – over 600 young people as a way of working is a great environment for children young people each year have as an organisation. and young people to embark on the opportunity to take on this lifelong participation in sport”. role, the key purpose of which is We recognise the significant to motivate and inspire their amount of work undertaken by sports cotland recognise this vision peers to participate in sport. national and local partners, who for sport in schools, communities, • Lead 2014 – over 900 young week-in and week-out deliver youth work, clubs and on the world people each year receive significant sports opportunities for stage is and will continue to be training designed to equip them young people throughout Scotland. delivered by people and organisation s to plan, organise and deliver Along with a wide range of youth working together. We see these sports events/festivals. work across Scotland, sportscotland ambitions echoed in the ambitions wants to continue its investment in • Young Hub Leaders – this has of the National Youth Work young people; providing a lasting been emerging work over the Strategy for Scotland 2014-19. legacy of confident, well trained, last year which seeks to embed knowledgeable and experienced sports cotland believes that sport is young people’s involvement in young people. an important context for the delivery the decision making of of this strategy and one which has Community Sports Hubs. We are currently reviewing our the power to reach and engage a • Active Girls – through a range corporate plan for the period wide range of young people. of activities this project aims to 2015-19 and if you have thoughts sports cotland has been working increase girls and young about the role of sport in youth hard over the past four years to put women’s participation in PE, work, we’d love to hear from you! young people at the heart of physical activity and sport. For further information: decision-making in sport, giving Young people’s sport panel – the E: mary.allison@ support and opportunities to sport panel has two roles; to sportscotland.org.uk

The Link | 27 Rennie MSP and the SNP’s Bruce Crawford MSP set aside their political differences as they form ‘Team Holyrood’ to celebrate youth work at this unique festival.

The afternoon, which was the hottest of the year so far, saw MSPs from across Scotland taking part in a host of challenges including: mountain biking; raft building; fire lighting; wild cooking and survival techniques. The event culminated in the UK’s first ever outdoor parliamentary reception.

Jim Sweeney, CEO of YouthLink Scotland, who hosted ‘Wild in the Park’, said wild learning and sport was a rite of passage for the younger generation:

“Outdoor learning has something for everyone so let’s encourage our young people to GO WILD and get involved in the great outdoors.”

Over 40 MSPs turned out to give their support to youth work in the great outdoors with the official parliamentary reception being opened formally by the Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell MSP.

Organisations involved were: Service Cadet Organisations; DofE Scotland; Scouts Scotland; Historic Scotland; Education Scotland; The Boys’ Brigade; Scottish Outdoor Education Centres; Ocean Youth Trust; The Outward Bound Trust; Venture Holyrood experienced a very hill walking, climbing, environ- Scotland; Iona Community; The different kind of parliamentary mental projects and of course a Conservation Volunteers; Keep gathering in June as MSPs and myriad of sports related activities. Scotland Beautiful; The John young people pitted their wits Muir Award; The National Trust against each other to celebrate The event on Wednesday 18 June for Scotland; South Ayrshire Council; Perth and Kinross learning in the great outdoors. kicked off with the SNP and Scotland’s opposition party leaders Council; The Yard; Scottish ‘Wild in the Park’ was all about racing against the clock and against Youth Hostelling Association; Scripture Union Scotland; raising the awareness and profile a team of young people from for the outdoor learning section of Woodcraft Folk; Callander Youth Scouts Scotland, to see who can Project; The Green Team; Youth the youth work sector, which makes pitch a tent in record time. Scotland; Stramash; Pict by a significant contribution to a raft Nature; St Andrew’s First Aid; of educational outcomes. The entire Scottish Labour Leader, Johann The Prince’s Trust; Girlguiding sector has much to offer from Lamont MSP; Scottish Conservative Scotland and Scottish Youth residential centres to camps and Leader, Ruth Davidson MSP; Parliament. water based activities through to Scottish Lib Dem Leader, Willie

28 | The Link “The YouthLink conference was a real success and helped highlight the great work youth organisations are doing throughout Scotland.

Unfortunately there were no world records to “I was delighted to attend ‘Wild in the Park’. It was a be had at the great opportunity to catch up with Stramash and the omelette challenge Iona Community. Both do an outstanding job in the but it was good to constituency and their presence undoubtedly brought come along and support the event. I was slightly experience and knowledge to the wider network of disappointed that my camping stove went out halfway outdoor learning organisations in attendance”. through the challenge but even so I don’t think James Mike Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education Martin needs to worry about his job just yet”. Murdo Fraser Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife “The ‘Wild in the Park’ event brought together some brilliant organisations from the youth work sector in the first outdoor reception of its kind. The success of the event showed strong support for outdoor learning in Scotland, but we need further investment in “Everyone’s fondest memories of their childhood outdoor learning to bring together involve running around outside with pals, climbing more young people in healthy, educational activities which things, and getting muddy. It’s an important part of benefit our communities. I hope this is the first of many learning and development, so I’m delighted to see outdoor receptions at Holyrood”. YouthLink Scotland and partners involved in ‘Wild in Alison Johnstone Green MSP for the Lothians the Park’ encourage and support outdoor learning for young people”. Kezia Dugdale Labour MSP for the Lothians

“I had a fantastic time at Wild in the Park. As well as being really enjoyable for everyone involved, the event provided a great platform to generate awareness of the commendable activities of the youth work sector as a whole. I am personally a big fan of the outdoors and I am keen to promote the opportunities that outdoor activities can present for enhanced learning for Scotland’s youngsters”. David Torrance SNP MSP for Kirkcaldy

The Link | 29 1

2 3

5

4

6

7

30 | The Link 1 Young People’s Minister, Aileen 8 Campbell MSP shows her support for the sector.

2 YouthLink Scotland CEO, Jim Sweeney indulges in a spot of wild cooking.

3 Our compere, actor Andy 9 Paterson announces the Tent Challenge.

4 DofE Scotland show us how to solve a problem!

5 Historic Scotland get to grips with medieval building 10 techniques.

6 Yes it’s a Scouts Scotland selfie!

7 Nationalist MSP, Gordon MacDonald gets his kit on with Ocean Youth Trust.

8 Woodcraft Folk demonstrate what you can do with one 11 parachute. 9 Clare Adamson SNP MSP looks for minibeasts with National Trust for Scotland.

10 Lib Dem MSP, Jim Hume hanging by a thread on the Air Cadets climbing wall.

11 Scottish Green leader, Patrick Harvie MSP on his bike with The Outward Bound Trust.

12 Glasgow Kelvin SNP MSP, Sandra White tries her hand at stone- 12 masonery with the Prince’s Trust.

13 The SNP’s Angus MacDonald MSP communes with Marc Forrester from Pict by Nature.

13

The Link | 31 If you have great examples of activities or projects which use sport to deliver youth work outcomes, please let us know or send us a short case study for our website to [email protected]

YouthLink Scotland’s editor of THE Link is very keen to receive your comments, ideas and suggestions on the magazine. For further information contact: YouthLink Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5EZ. T: 0131 313 2488 | E: [email protected] | W: www.youthlinkscotland.org

YouthLink Scotland is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in Scotland No: 164547. Charity Ref: SCO03923

Printed by: ARC Printing Ltd, Young Street, West Calder, West Lothian EH55 8EG. T: 01506 870044 | M: 07733 885643 | E: [email protected]