Granton Youth’s AGM

Granton Youth held its virtual AGM this week for its members and invited guests. Apart from the usual administration process of electing its volunteer board members those present heard about the work that the organisation did over the past year as well as a look ahead.

Mary Q-Burnside, Manager of GY, said in her report: ‘The year 22/23 was the first year following the pandemic when we were free to operate with full complement of staff and put the focus and vision of the GY strategy fully into practice – which is to provide holistic support to work with young people and their families.

‘GY has created a multi-support network and programme that can make a real difference to young people’s lives – by being where they are: in their streets, school, at our base within RWCC and within the family home.’

Mary highlighted there was a growing demand following pandemic and exacerbated by cost of living crisis means services are at capacity.

As part of GY strategy it has been recognised what we do well and ask young people and their families what they need and want.

In order to make this happen we have developed valuable and supportive collaborations through:

• Community Mental Health fund partnership – Bwell together
• North Edinburgh Youth Work collaborative – supporting youth work apprentices
• Single Point Access pilot in North Edinburgh – working with NHS, Social Work and schools to ensure the right targeted support is identified for local families and young people

Despite the challenges in finding funding GY continues to be successful in sustaining its funding in an ever more competitive market.

Currently GY provides:

• Open access youth work – a safe space to explore learning, creativity and be heard
• Targeted youth work for nuerodivergent/isolated young people
• Music – employing professional tutors so young people can learn to play, write their own songs and record and release them as well as being given and opportunity to play live with some of our musicians playing venues such as King Tuts and La Belle Angelle
• Families Together – working with families to identify areas where support is required and providing tailored programmes to meet their needs
• Volunteering – offering local people an opportunity to volunteer and receive accredited learning and have access to a paid apprenticeship in youth work
• Mentoring- delivering 1:1 for young people requiring additional support, targeted at those who may be socially isolated or who are  at risk of antisocial behaviour
• Streetwork – working to engage young people who are not engaging in mainstream youth work services and or education. Meeting them in the local area and on their terms
• Counselling – GY has a centre based counselling service for local young people and adults as well as counselling presence across 6 high schools in North West Edinburgh
• Positive Activities programme is part of our open access youth work but also with offers a targeted programme to engage physically inactive/socially isolated or those engaged in risk-taking behaviour
• Schools based youth work – supporting young people by providing 1:1 youth work mentoring to sustain attendance and improve attainment

Dave Macnab, Chair of GY, said: “All of this happens because we have developed a dedicated staff team who are experienced, skilled and enthusiastic about the work they do and the difference they make.

“It is heartening to see that 10 of our team of 21 are from the local area and that 6 of the core team started as volunteers at GY.

“In fact, in the last two years GY has employed five young people who are the product of the volunteer apprentice scheme”.

GY reaches around 500 young people and adults per year through its various provisions and demand is ever increasing as our word of mouth reputation and positive profile grow. 

If you want to know more about the work of GY contact Mary@grantonyouth.com