Young people from Deaf Action in Edinburgh and The Junction based in Leith gathered at the Scottish Parliament recently to launch the ‘My Travels’ postcard campaign, run by YouthLink Scotland. Continue reading Youth projects launch My Travels postcard campaign
The formal notice was published ahead of the local government elections on 4 May yesterday – and a group of 16 and 17-year-old city pupils found out more about how to register to vote.
A voter registration event was held at Holy Rood RC High School, raising awareness among pupils about their eligibility to cast their vote in the Council elections for the first time.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “This is the first time 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote in Scottish Council elections and it’s a great opportunity for young people to get involved in local democracy and have their say about how services are delivered where they live.
“Registration for the 4 May election ends on 17 April and it’s quick and easy to do – find out more at yourvotematters.co.uk and make your vote count.”
Asked why it was important for young people to go out and vote, Holy Rood High S5 pupil Jason Stewart-Evans, 17, said: “It gives me, as an individual, more of a say in my political system.”
Niyoshi Dave, 16, also S5, said: “I believe it is important to vote because the laws being passed right now will significantly affect my future.”
And Christy Biju, 16, S5, said: “Voting is a right we have and we should use it, especially young people because we are the future. We need to make our voices heard!”
Pictures: Ian Georgeson
Young people across Edinburgh are campaigning for votes to become Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs). The ballot will see 12 new Edinburgh Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament being elected from across six city constituencies.
Edinburgh Leisure offers employment and training opportunities for young people
Edinburgh Leisure is reaching out to young people aged 15-24 years, who have a passion for sport to register their interest for a forthcoming ‘2 Your Future Project’, which aims to give young people employment and training opportunities in sport.
Jack Martin, Positive Destinations Project Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “The project is a fully funded opportunity that provides a combination of sports based activities and tailored employment support for your people not currently engaged in education, employment or training or young people at high risk of falling into this category.
“We’re looking for young people between 15-24 years, who have a passion for sport and who would be able to commit to the project for up to 16 hours per week over an eight-week project.”
The project will be delivered between March and April 2017 at Gracemount Leisure Centre, but city-wide travel to alternative Edinburgh Leisure venues will be expected over the programme.
‘2 Your Future’ provides a number of opportunities including: sports coaching experience in football and athletics; SCQF Level 4 in Sports Leadership qualifications; quality, structured sports coaching sessions and the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity; the opportunity to volunteer and experience being part of a major sporting event; Active Start Multi-Skills training; Emergency First Aid at Work training; Positive Coaching Scotland training; advice and guidance on further education and training opportunities; and increased confidence and self-esteem.
One participant rebuilding their lives through ‘2 Your Future’ is Ryan Aird. Ryan suffered an unexplained cardiac arrest in 2012 whilst at Meadowbank Sports Centre and was saved by the quick response of the team at Edinburgh Leisure.
Although he started a Mechanical Engineering course at Heriot Watt University in 2013, he dropped out after a year in 2014, before finally starting a ‘2 Your Future’ course last summer. He is now employed as a freelance sports leaders course tutor, helping groups of young people learn new skills for the job market, using the power of sport.
“The confidence I have gained from participating in ‘2 Your Future’ has been immense,” said Ryan. “It’s given me a totally different career path than the one I originally embarked on when I started at university. Through sport I have managed to transform my life and hope that I can go on to inspire and motivate others to personally develop and transform their lives too.”
Prospective candidates for the next ‘2 Your Future’ course are asked to register their interest by filling in the project’s registration form available on the Edinburgh Leisure website and return the form by Thursday 2nd March.
All those who register their interest will be invited to attend an Information Day on Friday, 3 March from 10am-2pm, where they will get a full project overview, meet the ‘2 Your Future’ tutors; and take part in a discussion with the tutors on their suitability to gain a place on the project.
For further information about the project, please contact: Jack Martin, Positive Destinations Project Development Officer – jackmartin@edinburghleisure.co.uk
Are you aged 13-17 years and looking for a fun way to get active? Edinburgh Leisure is offering two new group exercise classes specifically for teenagers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. Continue reading Teenage Kicks at Commie Pool
The Junction is one of two local charities to benefit from the proceeds of the Trainspotting 2 auction, which will sell memorabilia from the Trainspotting 2 film. The online auction takes place next month to coincide with the film’s US release. Continue reading Junction to benefit from Trainspotting 2 auction
Even though 2016 was a complex year for both America and the UK alike, thousands of young Brits are set to flock to the Camp America recruitment fair in Edinburgh tomorrow to take part in the work abroad program. Donald Trump’s inauguration date is set just days after the fair and proves an interesting situation for culture exchange participants and organisations! Continue reading Trump-et this: Camp America’s calling!
Adventure, challenge, fun – all words associated with Scouting. At the start of 2016 Chief Scout Bear Grylls challenged Cub Sections the length and breadth of the country to celebrate ‘The Wildest Birthday Ever’ for the Centenary of Cub Scouts – and 11th Broughton St Mary’s Cubs definitely rose to the challenge! Continue reading Cubs go wild for centenary birthday celebrations!
An Edinburgh-based education project for young adults with severe communication needs will be building a special sensory garden after winning £5,000 in a national award. Continue reading Growing and growing: national award to fund students’ sensory garden
Port of Leith Housing Association’s (POLHA) TOiL Programme (Training Opportunities in Lothian) has supported 35 young people from across Edinburgh and East Lothian to complete an 18 week training programme with an local employer with 21 progressing to employment, apprenticeship or further education following their training. Continue reading Another terrific year for TOiL
