Tag: Young people

CashBack projects support thousands of young people

A programme funded from the seized assets of criminals has supported 15,368 young people in 2023-24.

CashBack for Communities delivered £5.5 million to 29 partners in that period for projects that divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime.

A report into the first year of the programme’s three-year funding phase, which runs from April 2023 to March 2026, showed that after taking part in CashBack for Communities projects:

  • 7,440 young people reported positive changes in their behaviour
  • 4,318 young people reported that their anti-social or criminal behaviour reduced
  • 6,292 young people felt less likely to engage in anti-social or criminal behaviour
  • 4,954 young people gained an accreditation in furthering their development
  • 8,348 young people reported an increase in their wellbeing
  • 64,240 volunteering hours were contributed

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown met with some participants who have been taking part in Scottish Rugby Union’s CashBack Community Rugby at Castlebrae Community Campus in Edinburgh.

The SRU’s programme works with young people most at risk of being drawn into offending or being involved in anti-social behaviour to help them resist pressure to take part in it.

Ms Brown said: “Supporting and encouraging young people to make informed choices is crucial for their personal growth and future success. The CashBack for Communities Impact Report highlights the positive contribution the programme has had on over 15,000 young people. 

“CashBack is an early intervention programme and its partners provide a range of support and activities which includes providing safe spaces, trusted adults they can speak with and a range of diversionary and support activities.

“Young people need our support and encouragement to make choices that allow them to develop their aspirations and potential, and we should rightly be proud of them and this programme.

“I had the opportunity today to see exactly how CashBack partners like Scottish Rugby Union work alongside young people to develop their understanding of the positive impact they can have on their communities.”

CashBack for Communities Impact Report 2023-24

More information on the CashBack for Communities programme.

Edinburgh charity unveils bold youth mental health strategy

Youth organisation launches new inclusive and accessible mental health support

AN EDINBURGH-BASED youth mental health charity has unveiled an ambitious new strategy designed to create meaningful and accessible support spaces for young people across the city.

U-evolve, which has supported over 200 young people aged 11-21 each year since 2015, is marking a pivotal moment in its mission with the launch of its comprehensive 2025-2028 strategy.

The charity offers tailored services such as mental health coaching, counselling, art therapy, drop-in sessions, and specialised workshops, breaking down traditional barriers to mental health support.

The new strategy focuses on creating both physical and metaphorical spaces where young people can feel supported and empowered to take control of their mental well-being. 

Earlier this year, the charity made the move to Norton Park, Edinburgh’s first office complex dedicated to charities and social enterprises, operating from the carefully restored Victorian school building.

Susie McIntyre, Chief Executive of U-evolve, said: “Our new strategy is about creating space – both physical and metaphorical – where young people can feel genuinely supported and empowered to take control of their mental health. 

“Our move to Norton Park provides the ideal foundation for this transformative approach. The environment here inspires collaboration and innovation, enabling us to focus our resources and energy where they’re needed most- supporting the young people of Edinburgh.”

With a strong emphasis on listening to young people and involving them in decision-making, the strategy reflects a commitment to inclusivity, kindness, and continuous learning.

Part of this is done through Young Voices, a focus group centred around listening to the issues that matter to young people.

A young person benefitting from U-evolve’s work said: “I think Young Voices helps U-evolve realise the struggles that young people have today with Mental Health. 
 
“Being a part of Young Voices Team, has improved my confidence and especially around talking about mental health. It has helped me reflect and look at some problems that other young people have that I would not think of otherwise.”

The charity’s move to Norton Park symbolises a new chapter of growth and innovation. By reducing operational costs, U-evolve can invest more resources directly into supporting young people’s mental health and is now better positioned to extend its critical mental health services with renewed momentum.

Keith Robertson, CEO of Norton Park said:  “We’re proud to provide a professional home that enables organisations like U-evolve to focus entirely on their crucial mission.

“This strategy demonstrates the potential of charities when given the right support and environment.”

For more information on how to support U-evolve visit u-evolve.org or follow the charity on Instagram @uevolvescotland

Help stop young people being exploited by criminal gangs

Help stop young people in Scotland being exploited by criminal gangs.

County Line gangs are using violence and intimidation to recruit young people into drug networks.

Know the signs of exploitation:

• Change in behaviour

• Signs of assault and/or malnutrition

• Access to numerous phones

• Use of unusual terms e.g. ‘going country’

• Associating with gangs

• Unexplained bus or train tickets

• School truancy or going missing

• Unexplained gifts e.g. clothing, trainers, cash

https://orlo.uk/30ijC

Preventing gender-based violence for the next generation

First Minister: “Engaging young people is key to ending abuse”

Ahead of the global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, First Minister John Swinney has highlighted the importance of engaging and educating young people on the importance of healthy and respectful relationships.

A report showing the progress that organisations have made to prevent abuse and support survivors will be published today (Monday 25 November). This will highlight an increase in the number of children and young people who have accessed education and awareness-raising workshops.

The organisations delivering these workshops have all received funding through the Scottish Government’s Delivering Equally Safe programme, which aims to eradicate violence against women and girls.

On Friday (22 November), First Minister John Swinney joined an event in Perth to raise awareness of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Gender-based abuse and violence has no place in modern Scotland and we are committed to eradicating it.

“As First Minister, but also as a husband and a father, I am proud to support the 16 Days of Activism campaign and recognise the vital role that men need to play in tackling violence against women and girls, including challenging abusive behaviour wherever it occurs.

“The Scottish theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism is “Imagine a Scotland without Gender-Based Violence”, and the only way we can realise that is by ensuring the next generation are equipped to spot abusive behaviour and call it out.”

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Our focus is on preventing abuse before it occurs, as well as improving support services for survivors and ensuring the justice response is robust and well-equipped to deal with abuse when it occurs.

“The work that grassroots organisations across the country are delivering to teach young people about consent and healthy relationships and empower them to stand against harmful gender stereotypes is vital. We are determined to help them build on that progress.

“This is at the heart of building the kind of society we want to see, where everyone can live free from gender-based violence.”

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a key international moment to call for an end to violence against women and girls (VAWG). It runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December, Human Rights Day.  

Violence against women happens in every country and culture, causing harm to millions of women and girls. Risks and challenges to access care increase even more for women and girls living in humanitarian emergencies. Around the world today, prolonged and intense conflicts have resulted in a continuous rise in of all forms of gender-based violence.  

WHO plays an active role in strengthening health systems and local health partner capacity to prevent and respond to VAWG in humanitarian emergencies. In addition, WHO is calling for all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect women and girls from gender-based violence and ensure access to essential health services.  

Tonight: Youth Arts Collective

NORTH EDINBURGH ARTS at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

The NEA Youth Arts Collective meets up weekly to do creative tasks (think Taskmaster!), play games, hang out, eat tasty snacks and chat about children and young people’s rights.

This term, the YAC are working with artists to select and develop a new performance to be showcased at the 2025 Edinburgh Children’s Festival family day and the North Edinburgh Community Festival.

New members welcome, so come along and bring a friend, too!

📆When: Every Thursday, 5.30pm – 7pm

Drop in any time from 4.30pm for toasties and hang out before the group starts at 5.30pm

📍Where: West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

🙋Who: Local young people (ages 11 -13) living in areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Telford and Drylaw

🎟Cost: Free but registration required:

POP24 lands at Dynamic Earth

POP24 and Dynamic Earth offer schools a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from environmental scientists, space experts, and conservationists

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is thrilled to announce its participation in Protecting Our Planet Day 2024 (POP24), a landmark educational event aimed at inspiring climate action among young people.

POP24 is organised by the UK Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) at STEM Learning and in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency, POP24 is set to take place on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.

POP24 will immerse students in a full day of interactive sessions led by top experts in Earth and Space sciences, with an audience of approximately 150,000 people. Schools and the general public alike are invited to book individual sessions or participate in the entire day, offering everyone a unique opportunity to engage with climate change experts and explore innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.

Throughout the day, the event will feature live sessions hosted from Dynamic Earth by Suzie Imber and Dallas Campbell, who will guide viewers through each activity and highlight insights from guest experts.

Anyone interested in joining can sign up for most of the day’s events through the POP24 website. Participation is open to everyone, not just teachers or students, making this an inclusive event for all who care about protecting our planet.

One of the day’s first sessions, Pop into the Ocean (9:10-9:50 am), will be presented by Chris George, Head of Learning and Engagement at Dynamic Earth.

This session will take place in the Discover the Deep gallery and feature Alycia Smith from the National Oceanography Centre, known for her groundbreaking work on “dark oxygen” with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).

Alycia Smith, who previously contributed to Dynamic Earth’s Growing Roots exhibition, will delve into her deep-sea research while joined by Emily Yates from Project Seagrass, who will highlight the critical role of seagrass ecosystems around the UK.

This session promises an in-depth look into how ocean life and conservation efforts help protect our planet, connecting participants with both marine research and the seagrass nurseries that sustain vital biodiversity.

Later in the day, Protecting Biodiversity (11:25 am-12:10 pm), presented by former Dynamic Earth Scientific Director Dr. Hermione Cockburn, will focus on the importance of biodiversity in sustaining our ecosystems.

The session opens with a recorded message from naturalist Chris Packham, who will introduce the concept of biodiversity and underscore its significance. Following this, the session will feature conservation efforts from the Knepp Wildland Foundation, Saving Wildcats, Trees for Life, and the National Wildflower Centre.

Each organisation will share insights into their work and unique approaches to biodiversity preservation, making this session an inspiring look at the practical measures that can help protect natural habitats.

The day will conclude with STEM Clubs Hour (3:30-4:30 pm), an after-school science club hosted by Chris George and Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium Manager, Dr. Alastair Bruce.

This engaging session will explore Earth observation through the use of satellites, explaining how this technology monitors environmental changes and supports global conservation efforts.

Dr. Bruce will introduce participants to the basics of satellite launches and their applications, using planetarium footage to explain the process.

From tracking wildlife and weather patterns to monitoring natural hazards, this session highlights how space science plays a vital role in advancing climate and environmental research. A range of interactive activities and videos will complement this session, making it an educational and hands-on way to close out the day.

Dynamic Earth’s Head of Learning and Engagement, Chris George, said: “We’re excited to be part of POP24 and to support students across the UK in exploring climate science and the role we all play in protecting our planet.

“POP24 offers a unique learning experience by bringing real-world science into classrooms, sparking curiosity, and empowering young people to think critically about our environment.”

For more information on how to register, please visit https://bit.ly/47waVJh and join the conversation using #POP24.

FetLor: Young Volunteer Journey Programme

We have some exciting news!

Starting this Friday we are launching our Young Volunteer Journey Programme (Young Vols).

This is a great stepping stone for young people to get into Youth Work & begin a new journey!

Come along this Friday to register or find out more!

#Fetlor100

Tomorrow: ASH Scotland Youth Conversations Hub event

ONLINE SESSION on YOUTH VAPING

The first Youth Conversations Hub event takes place tomorrow!

ASH Scotland are hosting an online session on Youth vaping in Scotland at 1pm

You can sign up for a place at the event here – https://bit.ly/3W5CULx

TUC: Young people’s futures on the line as toxic Tory legacy sees youth unemployment rise

  • Youth unemployment rate hits 13.3%, up 1.4 percentage points on the quarter
  • Vacancies have fallen for the last 26 months (down 42,000 on the quarter) 
  • While LFS data suggests employment is rising, HMRC data suggests that payrolled employees are falling
  • Real wages finally return to 2008 level, but there is much lost ground still to make up

Responding to today’s labour market data, which show ongoing weakness in the labour market including rising youth unemployment, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Working people are still facing major problems left behind by the Conservatives. 

“Vacancies have been falling for more than two years. Millions of workers are in insecure jobs and without proper employment rights. And young people’s futures are on the line as youth unemployment rises.

“Most employers support the new government’s plans to make work pay and strengthen workers’ rights. It’s time to move on from the low-pay, low-rights approach that has failed so many people so badly.”

1 in 3 working young people have never contributed to a pension 

  • MaPS calls on young people to pay into their pension, even if they’re only able to contribute a small amount.  
  • 1 in 3 18-25-year-olds who are currently working have never contributed to a pension.  
  • “We want young people to make sure they’re well informed and get into healthy saving habits early on in their careers” says MaPS. 
  • MoneyHelper can support young people to learn about their pensions. 

In a survey of 2,000 UK 18-25-year-olds, MaPS found that 1 in 3 (29%) who are currently working have never contributed to a workplace or private pension.  

Additionally, only just over half (54%) are currently contributing to a pension. 

Among savers (87%), ‘milestone planning’ was the top reported savings priority for young people, with half of 18–25-year-olds (51%) saying they are saving to buy a property, get married, or similar life events. 

Leaving planning for retirement in 6th place, with just over 1 in 8 (13%) reporting that they are saving for this.  

MaPS highlights research from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) which shows that contributing to your pension age 35 instead of 25 could result in a £500k pension pot instead of £800k, a detrimental loss of over £300k for a retirement pot. 

Jackie Spencer, Head of Money and Pensions Policy at the Money and Pensions Service says: “We understand that not everyone can regularly contribute high amounts to their pension. 

“It’s encouraging that our recent data shows that 71% of young people in full-time employment are contributing to a pension. This likely demonstrates the positive effect of the workplace automatic enrolment, and we’d encourage young people starting new jobs to contribute to their workplace pension.  

“It’s important that young people starting out in their careers know that even a small contribution each month can make a difference to their retirement pot, and something is better than nothing.

“For those currently self-employed or not in full-time employment, try to put money aside where you can for retirement and consider a personal pension. When young people do reach the stage of full-time employment, we’d encourage taking advantage of auto-enrolment into your pension if you can.” 

MaPS understands that not everyone is able to pay into a pension, particularly if they are saving money for other reasons, but it’s important to be well informed when making financial decisions.  

When you are part of a workplace pension scheme, you may be eligible for employer contributions and some of the money that would have gone to the government as tax goes towards your pension instead.  

MaPS’ MoneyHelper website has plenty of free and impartial guides to offer support, including our pension calculator and a webchat tool where young people can access pension guidance.