Granton Youth have partnered up with The Junction – Young People, Health and Wellbeing, 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Cafe, Canongate Youth & Wester Hailes Youth Agency to be apart of a project called ‘Time to Talk’ – to try and support more young people across Edinburgh.
If you are aged 12 – 25 and are looking for support then get in touch with ourselves or find the contact information for your area in the poster attached.
TODAY (Friday 28 February), more than 300 elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) aged 11-18 will represent the views of their peers and hold debates on a range of topics.
Young people from across the UK, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies will return to the House of Commons Chamber today for the annual sitting of UK Youth Parliament.
The debated motions will include:
The debate areas are part of the UK Youth Parliament Manifesto for 2024-2026 ‘Shaping Our Future, Today Not Tomorrow’ which was created by the MYP’s at their Annual Conference in October 2024, drawing on the views and issues raised by young people from across the UK.
For the first time in the House of Commons, an MYP will use British Sign Language to deliver his speech. A BSL interpreter will communicate this via a microphone in the Commons Chamber.
Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said that he is “very proud that this sitting of the UK Youth Parliament will be the most inclusive and exciting yet.
“I cannot wait to hear the thoughts and views of young people from across the UK, the British Overseas Territories, and the Crown Dependencies, on the issues that matter to them.”
Leigh Middleton, OBE, CEO, National Youth Agency: “Youth voice is a central tenet of youth work and the UK Youth Parliament provides young people with a valuable opportunity to debate the issues which they have identified as being important whilst gaining first-hand experience of the political process.
“The Annual Sitting really is the highlight of the UK Youth Parliament calendar when we get to see the young Members of Youth Parliament shine in the prestigious setting as they deliver their impassioned speeches and arguments for reform.”
The debates will be streamed live (with an approximately 20-minute delay) on parliamentlive.tv and YouTube.
Find more information about UK Youth Parliament from the House of Commons Library Research Briefing.
NEW GROUP STARTS WEDNESDAY 5th FEBRUARY 6.30 – 8PM at PENNYWELL HUB
TRAINEE/VOLUNTEERS
MYDG have a new project starting on Wednesday evenings for S3+
If you are interested in being a trainee or volunteer with MYDG drop us a message or email Gillian@mydg.org.uk
The group will run Wednesday evening 6.30-8pm @ our Pennywell hub starting on Wednesday 5th February.
Police Scotland and Education Scotland have come together to deliver YOU, ME, TOGETHER, a resource for secondary school pupils to make them aware of domestic abuse and the wider issue of violence against women and girls.
A video has been released on our social media channels after an event on Thursday, 28 November, 2024, when teachers at Loudoun Academy in Galston and officers provided young people with information about domestic abuse, including themes of coercive control, inappropriate relationships and peer pressure.
Teachers have a number of a resources to work with to help facilitate open and safe discussions about what can be an emotive subject for young men and women. The package includes a short film (add hyperlink to trailer) which follows a story line of coercive control between young people in a school setting and shows the warning signs to look out for.
YOU, ME, TOGETHER demonstrates that if we all work together, we can tackle domestic abuse. The emphasis being on victims, friends, family, supporters, partner agencies, professionals and police all working together.
Detective Inspector Phillip Kennedy said: “This programme is aimed at young people at an age when they are starting to form relationships.
“Domestic abuse can be a problem at any age but You Me Together aims to address any issues and promote positive behaviours.
“The programme talks about healthy relationships but also about the warning signs when things are not right. It is about empowering young people, giving them advice and information, and helping them make a choice and take action when something doesn’t feel right.
“By helping to educate young people, we hope that in the longer term this will reduce the likelihood of abusive behaviour developing and reduce incidents of domestic abuse.”
Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council’s Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities said: “I was very pleased to join with Police Scotland and Head Teacher David Falconer for the launch of the new resource You, Me, Together at Loudoun Academy.
“East Ayrshire schools were involved in the development of the resource through the pilot project in 2022 and are proud to have had a role in shaping its development.
“I am also pleased that this took place during the 16 Days of Action campaign, which continues to be so important. It brings people together to work towards eliminating gender-based violence and encourages us all to take action to support women and girls in our communities.
“Last year, the Police recorded 1552 reported incidents of domestic abuse in East Ayrshire. There is no doubt that action is required to reduce the number of women and children affected by domestic violence, but we all understand that there is also no quick fix. Education is essential and resources like You, Me, Together take a long-term approach with the aim of encouraging positive behaviours among our young people that they will take into adulthood.”
The resource was initially piloted in 2022 in schools across Scotland reaching more than 1000 pupils, with feedback supporting the enhancement of the resource to meet the needs of students.
In 2023 all high schools in Ayrshire supported the delivery of the resource which has now been developed into a more accessible online interactive format to support national delivery to students in all areas of Scotland. It will be delivered within the existing personal and social education curriculum (PSE).
Police Scotland is committed to tackling gender-based violence and abuse, as highlighted in our prevention campaigns including the recent That Guy campaign and our support for the annual 16 Day of Activism campaign.
A key part of this work is building relationships with partners and working with them on a regular basis to highlight and make people aware of their messages too.
NEW PROGRAMME
HERE IS OUR NEW 2025 PROGRAMME
THIS IS OUR NEW PROGRAMME BEGINNING 13th JANUARY
PLEASE NOTE:
Any questions please contact us via Socials or on 0131 332 3356
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:
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.
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 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
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.
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:
