Tag: Young people

Empowering the Future of Fitness

Apply now – Career opportunities in the leisure industry thanks to the Prince’s Trust partnership with Edinburgh Leisure

In collaboration with The Prince’s Trust, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging young people aged 16-30 years to apply to join a free ‘Get Into Lifeguarding with Edinburgh Leisure’ training course starting in February 2024.

The initial pre-selection day will take place at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre on 8th February 2024, after which selected candidates will be invited to take part in the free 3-week course. There are 10 places being offered.

The pre-employment programme aims to help young people aged 16-30 years get into jobs, education, and training, with a focus on becoming a lifeguard. 

The programme includes a pre-selection day; a week’s work experience at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘wet’ sites under the mentorship of an Edinburgh Leisure staff member, who has received ‘shadow buddy’ training in advance from Edinburgh Leisure’s Learning & Development team; an NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification) course; and job interview opportunities.

Travel expenses are reimbursed, and successful candidates receive up to six months of post-programme support.

Successful candidates would need to be available to take part in all the training days.  The programme schedule is:

8 February                              Pre-selection Day at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre

19-23 February                       NPLQ course at Portobello Swim Centre

26 February – 1 March           Work experience at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s venues

4 March                                   Interview experience

6 March                                   Post course celebration event at Meadowbank Sports Centre

Interested applicants should apply by Friday, 2nd February 2024 to be considered for this opportunity. Email matthew.rooney@princes-trust.org.uk with their name, telephone number and email address or alternatively apply via the Princes Trust website or call 0800 842 842.

Alyson Coats, Manager at Leith Victoria Swim Centre, and responsible for the partnership explained: “This will be the second time Edinburgh Leisure has run such a programme. 

“It’s a win-win – with young people having a great opportunity to learn with Edinburgh Leisure and gain valuable experience, which we hope sets them up for employment in the future, either with us or another opportunity in the leisure industry.  For many young people this could be life-changing for them.”

Lorenzo D’Silva came through the first cohort in July 2023, and secured a job as a lifeguard at the Royal Commonwealth Pool on finishing the course.

Lorenzo said: “The NPLQ course was only one week but the Prince’s Trust also gave us the opportunity to gain valuable skills in team building and interview techniques during the process which really helped when I was offered a job interview with Edinburgh Leisure. If you’ve not been in the mindset of getting a job it helps you to understand how to present yourself.

“I started working full-time in September at the Commie. It’s a great place to work with a great team. Everyone’s friendly and genuine and it’s a very inclusive place to work. There’s a great sense of camaraderie – like a big family, which is great as I come from one myself.”

The Prince’s Trust supports young people from disadvantaged communities and those facing the greatest adversity. The courses offered help young people aged 11-30 to develop essential life skills, get ready for work and access job opportunities.

Since The Trust was founded by HM The King in 1976, they have helped more than a million young people across the UK, and three in four of those supported over the last five years have moved into work, education, or training.

Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at princes-trust.org.uk or on 0800 842 842. 

Mental health support for children and young people

Expansion of service helping those in crisis

A programme supporting young people with complex social issues attending A&E is to be expanded. The Youth Navigators programme, delivered by Medics Against Violence, supports young people aged 12-16 arriving at Emergency Departments who are in distress.

The service provides trained youth workers – Youth Navigators – to identify the help young people need and provide practical support so they can access relevant longer-term support.

The initiative has supported more than 600 young people since 2021 – most had experienced issues with their mental health and wellbeing; some on a chronic basis related to issues at home, with friend groups or bullying, and some more acutely experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings and who may have caused harm to themselves.

Scottish Government funding of £64,000 will allow the expansion of the service to University Hospital Wishaw and a pilot of the Youth Navigator programme in schools.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “I am pleased to announce additional funding to pilot the expansion of the Youth Navigator programme to University Hospital Wishaw and to pilot a new Youth Navigator approach by partnering with Taylor High in New Stevenson in Lanarkshire to place Youth Navigators in their school.

“Since the Youth Navigator programme started in mid-2021 it has supported over 600 young people.

“This additional support for the programme is in addition to the substantial investment we are already making to improve the mental health and wellbeing support provided to children, young people and their families in Scotland.

“This funding is the result of the Scottish Government listening to children, young people and families and taking direct action in the areas where they have told us more support is needed. Ensuring that all children and young people can get the right mental health and wellbeing support at the right time is a key priority for this government as our continued record investment in this area goes to show.”

Co-Director and founder of Medics Against Violence, Professor Christine Goodall said: “We are delighted to receive funding from the Scottish Government to pilot the expansion of the Youth Navigator programme.

“The youth work approach that the Youth Navigators take provides young people with a trusted adult with whom they can discuss their feelings and through discussing what is most important to them, put plans in place to support a safer future.

“The expansion of the programme in the hospital setting is much needed and often requested by hospitals, the new approach of placing Youth Navigators in the school setting helps to take prevention further upstream to try and support young people with any issues they are facing before they get to the crisis point where they require medical intervention.”

A young person who received support from the Youth Navigator programme said: “I appreciate what the Youth Navigator programme has done for me – giving me someone to talk to who won’t invalidate my feelings and genuinely help me is something I’ve always wanted.

“I am so grateful to those involved – they really made a difference in my life.”

CashBack supports 28,000 young people over last year

Criminals’ ill-gotten gains re-directed to support young people to make positive choices 

A unique programme funded from seized criminal assets has helped to provide new opportunities for more than 28,000 young people in the past year.

CashBack for Communities used £19 million recovered from criminal activity to support 24 organisations during Phase 5 of the programme, which ran from April 2020 to March 2023, to support young people, including those who may be at risk from being drawn into antisocial behaviour or criminality.

Projects supported included the Vow Project, run in partnership with Police Scotland, which uses peer mentors with experience of the criminal justice system to support young people to break the cycle of criminality and offending.

The Access to Industry project, which provides employability support to young people in HM Prison and Young Offenders Institution (YOI) Polmont, and Action for Children who support young people at risk of involvement in offending or antisocial behaviour, were also supported through CashBack.

A new evaluation of activity support in 2022-23, has found that of the young people who took part in projects:

  • 75% reported an improvement in their wellbeing
  • 75% reported an increase in their confidence
  • 59% gained new jobs, skills or qualifications

Since its inception, Cashback for Communities has committed up to £130 million to fund a range of projects, delivering more than 2.5 million activities and supporting around 1.3 million young people across Scotland.

Community Justice Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The success of the Cashback for Communities projects show what can be achieved when young people are given the right opportunities.

“It is important that we support and encourage young people to make choices that allow them to develop their aspirations and potential.

“CashBack for Communities is a valued programme that everyone involved should be rightly proud of.  I am grateful to all those who have helped to make the past three years such a success, and supported so many young people in such a positive way, particularly in a period impacted by COVID-19.

“For the past 15 years, Cashback has helped well over a million  young people across the country to find better futures.

“This unique initiative underlines our commitment to support all of Scotland’s young people to live full, healthy lives and to help address some of the underlying causes of crime and antisocial behaviour.”

Read the impact report 

22-23 Impact ReportDownload

Edinburgh’s young people encouraged to try cricket with support from local school

A free community cricket programme is giving young people from Edinburgh’s disadvantaged communities a safe space to play cricket and learn life skills.

The Wicketz programme was established to help break down the barriers faced by 8 to 19-year-olds living in areas with high levels of deprivation, through cricket. It was founded by the Lord’s Taverners charity, which exists to empower young people facing the challenges of inequality. Wicketz also aims to develop vital life skills for its participants by delivering workshops that focus on social issues most relevant to the areas each Wicketz project is delivered in.

On 16 and 23 October 2023, Fettes College provided its sports hall to the Edinburgh Wicketz project which enabled participants to take part in their first ever hard ball cricket sessions. Over the two days, 33 young people took part in the training.

The sessions, which are delivered by Cricket Scotland, allow young people of any gender to learn the key skills of cricket and give the game a go. The sessions combine cricket coaching and competition with workshops that are specially designed to improve the participants’ wellbeing, life skills and social integration.

Mohammad Afzal, Edinburgh Wicketz Development Officer, said: “We are so grateful to Fettes College for loaning us its fantastic sports hall for the Edinburgh sessions. It was amazing to be able to give the participants the opportunity to use the sports facilities Fettes has and to encourage more people to get involved in the sport.

“Cricket can serve as a valuable tool for educating young people on physical fitness, teamwork and communications skills, as well as improving character development and allowing for personal growth, helping young people build life skills that will serve them well in various aspects of their lives.

“The impact of Wicketz has been immense in Edinburgh.”

Mark Appleson, Director of Sport at Fettes College said: “We were pleased to host the Wicketz programme’s first ever hard-ball cricket sessions over the last couple of weeks.

“What the programme does for underprivileged children across the UK is incredible, and provides them with an outlet to learn new skills, make friends and improve their wellbeing. It was great to see people taking part and having fun.”

Colin Crichton, Chair of the Lord’s Taverners in Scotland said: “Everyone involved in the Lord’s Taverners in Scotland thank the College for its support and speed in implementing the opportunity to use their incredible facilities.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for Edinburgh’s Wicketz participants to play the game in an environment they would not normally be able to access.”

Wicketz sessions take place weekly in Edinburgh, with the third hub launching in early 2024. To find out how to get involved, visit:

 www.lordstaverners.org/programme-information/edinburgh-wicketz/.

Hearts celebrate victory over Hibs at the inaugural Auld Reekie Cup

Edinburgh’s exclusive charity golf tournament will return in 2024 after the success of this year’s event

For local football fans, seeing Hibs and Hearts go head-to-head is always a highlight in the sporting calendar and their latest game was no exception – even if it did have one significant twist.

Instead of meeting on the pitch, former players from Edinburgh’s Hibernian F.C and Heart of Midlothian F.C. battled it out on the GOLF COURSE in a brand new charity tournament, the Auld Reekie Cup.

Taking place on Thursday 26th October at the historic Royal Burgess Golfing Society, the Auld Reekie Cup proved to be a big success, with Hearts clinching the cup.

Their winning team included former football legends Gary Locke, Eamonn Bannon, Scott Crabbe, Jim Brown and Graeme Shaw as well as fans, who took on former Hibs footie stars John Brownlie, John Hazel, Derek Riordan, Scott Brown, Steven Tweed, John Blackley, Gordon Hunter and Graeme Harvey plus fans.

Thanks to the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation and the Big Hearts Community Trust, all money raised on the day will be used to support projects promoting the mental health of young people here in Edinburgh.

Auld Reekie Cup Picture: Alan Rennie

Speaking after the event, Hanlon Stevenson Foundation Ambassador Paul Demarco said; “The day was an outstanding success for all involved and the Auld Reekie Cup looks to be a fantastic addition to the years must attend derby fixtures in the capital.

“It was a pleasure to work alongside our city rivals and raise much needed funds for the work we do, especially at this time of the year. Well done to Big Hearts Community Trust on lifting the trophy, the result might not have gone our way, but there is always next year!”

Auld Reekie Cup Picture: Alan Rennie

Big Hearts Community Trust Chief Executive Craig Wilson added; “Big Hearts were delighted to be invited to take part in the Auld Reekie Cup alongside the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation.

“It was a brilliant day of golf with brilliant support from a wide range of new and old partners for both charities. Big Hearts, like the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation, recognise the challenges our communities face, and days like yesterday raising funds help us provide vital support. We look forward to trying to retain the cup next year!”

Following the resounding success of the first ever Auld Reekie Cup, the event will return next year and local supporters will once again be offered a unique opportunity to play alongside their footballing icons.

Four Square’s Springboard Project

The Springboard programme is for young adults aged 16-25 who are currently either at risk of homelessness or accessing homelessness services across Edinburgh.

Participants will be able to gain qualifications in Emergency First Aid at Work as well as Elementary Food Hygiene.

We will support the group with employability skills such as CV writing, Job Interview Skills and Job Applications. We also run workshops focused on mental health and wellbeing as well as weekly social outings to encourage participants to form lasting friendships.

The programme also includes a 3-day Residential trip with the Scottish Outdoor Education Centre to allow the participants to try their hand at some adventurous outdoor activities like rock climbing, abseiling, archery and much more!

Bus fare can be covered by Four Square and lunch will be provided on each day of the course.

Self-referrals can be made by emailing springboard@foursquare.org.uk

UK Space Agency’s Space for Everyone tour engages over 160,000 young people

The UK Space Agency’s Space for Everyone tour reached more than 160,000 young people on its 5-month journey around the UK

The STEAM tour, which featured a 72-feet replica rocket, visited 13 cities across all 4 nations of the UK between June – October this year, on its mission to inspire the next generation of space professionals. 

The tour showcased the pivotal role of space in enhancing life on Earth and highlighted the diverse career pathways available in the sector to young people from all backgrounds and skill sets.

In total, the tour covered 2,684 miles, the same distance as 5 return trips to the International Space Station.

Visitors had the opportunity to experience interactive exhibits, hear from experts, and learn about the career opportunities available in the UK space sector from partners including the World Wide Fund for Nature, Orbex, Skyrora and AmbaSat.

Besides individual participants, Space for Everyone also welcomed 130 school, youth, and community organisations, offering them specially guided tours, further enriching their educational experiences and knowledge of the UK’s spaceflight sector.

Following the Space for Everyone tour, the UK Space Agency’s iconic 72-feet replica rocket will now go on loan to Spaceport Cornwall where it will continue to inspire future generations about space as part of a free space-based exhibition.

Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch, said: “We’re working hard to encourage diversity and inspire young people from all backgrounds and skill sets to ensure the UK space sector remains vibrant, innovative, and above all successful in achieving our goal for the UK to be the leading provider of launch in Europe by 2030. 

“Our Space for Everyone tour has achieved phenomenal success, engaging over 160,000 young people about the exciting opportunities in the UK’s fast-growing space sector and highlighting  the wide variety of opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and skill sets.”

As part of the tour, Imperial College London joined forces with the UK Space Agency to build upon their recently launched website, I’m a Space Person, which highlights the range of careers in the space industry. Here, visitors can also download a range of free space-based education resources and career tips as well as an online version of the tour.

Dr Simon Foster, Outreach Officer and Teacher, Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, said: “We have been delighted to collaborate with the UK Space Agency on their Space for Everyone tour website.

“The space sector is a huge part of the UK economy and giving young people an understanding of the diverse range of careers on offer and how to access them is vital to ensure that we have a healthy talent pipeline”.

For further information about the Space for Everyone tour and to watch the online broadcast, please visit the tour website or follow @spacegovuk on social media.

Spartans October break programme

We’re happy to confirm our October programme.

We are open each day Monday-Friday.

11-12.30pm : P4-7 aged children

1-2.30pm : S1-S4.

There’s trips & lunch is provided.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Boys, Girls, FooTEA & Breakfast Clubs will all continue as normal.

“Putting” their rivalry aside, Hibs and Hearts legends sign up for inaugural Auld Reekie Cup

All “fore” a good cause – Don’t miss your chance to play in Edinburgh’s exclusive charity golf tournament

It’s a rivalry that has kept football fans on the edge of their stadium seats for almost 150 years – that between Edinburgh’s Hibernian F.C and Heart of Midlothian F.C.

And now that competition is set to hit the golf course as footballing legends from Hibs and Hearts prepare to tee off in an exclusive charity golf tournament. What’s more, local supporters are being offered a unique opportunity to play alongside these football icons as entries into the inaugural Auld Reekie Cup teams officially open to the public.

Taking place on Thursday 26th October at the historic Royal Burgess Golfing Society, the Auld Reekie Cup is set to be a memorable golf day with a difference, featuring friendly competition and banter, with great prizes and bragging rights up for grabs. 

Switching the pitch for the fairway will be fitba stars Scott Brown, Mixu Paatelainen, Steven Whittaker, Derek Riordan, Gordon Hunter, Steven Tweed, Ally McLeod, John Blackley and John Brownlie playing for Hibernian, and Jim Brown, Scott Crabbe, Eammon Bannon and Graeme Shaw playing for Hearts. More big names will be confirmed in the coming days.

And it’s all in aid of a great cause. Thanks to the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation and the Big Hearts Community Trust, all money raised will be used to support projects promoting young people’s mental health.

Speaking ahead of the event, Hanlon Stevenson Foundation Ambassador Paul Demarco said; “Uniting old rivals for a common cause, this charity golf day will bring Hibs and Hearts together on the green to tee up support for young people’s mental health.

“Hanlon Stevenson Foundation are delighted to be working with Big Hearts Community Trust, proving that when it comes to making a positive difference, our shared purpose is stronger than any rivalry.”

Big Hearts Community Trust Chief Executive Craig Wilson added; “We are thrilled to have been asked to be part of this exciting new event alongside The Hanlon Stevenson Foundation which will allow us to support even more young people across Edinburgh.

“We already do a host of work in this area and know the challenges that exist. We hope to have a full team of golfers joining us and our playing legends on what will be a great day at such a historic venue, all for a great cause.”

The Auld Reekie Cup will take place at The Royal Burgess Golfing Society on Thursday 26th October.

Entries into both teams are now open. Teams of 3 plus a playing legend are priced at £900 +VAT. To purchase a ticket for the Hibernian team please email graeme@hanlonstevensonfoundation.co.uk

To purchase a ticket for the Hearts team please email kirsty.coutts@bighearts.org.uk.