The Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee is setting out a series of measures it wants the Scottish Government to adopt to tackle prejudice-based bullying in Scottish schools. Continue reading It’s not cool to be cruel: Holyrood sets out plan to tackle bullying
A report into how the Scottish Government can support the transition from adolescence into adulthood has been welcomed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. ‘The Life Chances of Young People in Scotland’ is the second report from the Independent Advisor on Poverty and Inequality, Naomi Eisenstadt, who says any support young people receive from the government is vital in their development. Continue reading Life Chances report launched at Botanics
Strangers to North Edinburgh might be forgiven for thinking that all our young folk spend their time tearing around the neighbourhood on stolen motor bikes, causing fear and havoc all over the place. The truth, of course, is very different – yes, we have some problems with antisocial behaviour, but we’re not alone there: what areas don’t? And we also have something that some other communities would love to have: North Edinburgh has an abundance of great kids doing great things – and an event at Urban Village last night provided a timely opportunity to celebrate their many achievements. Continue reading Shining Lights: North Edinburgh celebrates it’s young people
North Edinburgh Youth Awards at Urban Village Resort, Crewe Toll
Wednesday 28th June, 6.30 – 8.30pm
Six weeks of summer fun with Muirhouse Youth Development Group
Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
Week Five
Week Six
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On track for 30,000 by 2020 target
The number of Modern Apprenticeship starts increased to 26,262 and exceeded the 2016/17 annual target, new statistics have confirmed.
Skills Development Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship statistics for the fourth quarter of 2016/17 revealed that over the year:
Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “I welcome these statistics which show we are exceeding our Modern Apprenticeship targets with employers clearly recognising the value of the opportunities they bring to increase skills in our workforce and encourage new talent.
“As we work towards our 2020 target of expanding the number of Modern Apprenticeship starts to 30,000 each year, we are growing, widening and enhancing the apprenticeship programme to respond to employers’ needs. This work is paying off as we are among the countries with the lowest youth unemployment rates in the EU.
“We are continuing to enhance our Modern Apprenticeships so they bring the right balance of opportunities to suit employers and the workforce. In 2017 we are expanding the number of Graduate Level and Foundation Apprenticeships, giving more individuals the chance to take on work-based learning through universities and schools.
“We have introduced a new Rural Supplement to help support training provision in more remote areas, we are removing public sector restrictions around MA funding, increasing the opportunities for apprentices over 25, and enhancing contribution rates for disabled people and those under the age of 29 with experience of care.”
Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland Damien Yeates said: “It is great news for young people, employers and Scotland as a whole that we now have a record number of Modern Apprentices.
“It is clear that employers are continuing to invest in their workforce and developing skills through employing Modern Apprentices.
“At SDS we will continue to work with individuals, employers, training providers and partners to widen access to apprenticeship and the opportunities that work based learning provides.”
Further reduction in waiting times
The number of children and young people seen by mental health services (CAMHS) within the target time has increased for the third consecutive quarter.
Figures published by ISD Scotland this week show that 83.6% of people were seen within 18 weeks during the quarter ending 31 March 2017, up from 82.5% in the previous quarter.
CAMHS workforce has increased by 65% under this Government, with the the number of CAMHS psychologists having more than doubled.
Maureen Watt, Minister for Mental Health, said: “This continued reduction in CAMHS waiting times is encouraging, with 10 Boards achieving the target this quarter – up from seven at the end of 2016. However I’m clear that we must continue to reduce waiting times and I will not be satisfied until our target is met sustainably.
“We will continue to work with Boards to make sure that happens right across Scotland and the Mental Health Access Improvement Support Team, which has delivered significant improvements in NHS Forth valley, are working in partnership with Boards to deliver sustained improvements.
“Our recently published ten-year strategy for mental health sets out a range of measures that focus on prevention and early intervention to meet the mental health needs of children and young people, backed by £150 million of funding.
“We will also soon commission reviews into school counselling and rejected child and adolescent mental health service referrals, as a foundation for making further improvements.”
Continue reading Minister welcomes mental health target improvements
VOCAL and Edinburgh bands Ayakara, The Sunts and Whitehill Grove support a benefit gig for young carers on Thurs 15th June at the Mash House to mark Carers’ Week.
Doors open at 7pm and the gig is open to anyone 14 years and over.
Come along and rock with us – tickets are just £6 (£3 for young carers) and are available here or from the VOCAL Edinburgh Carer Centre.
500 Edinburgh primary school pupils are set to take part in a summer of sporting activity at the Spartans Community Football Academy at Ainslie Park. Continue reading Spartans Summer of Sport kicks off today
YouthLink Scotland launch Westminster Manifesto Continue reading Fair’s fair: young people call for end to age discrimination
