Red and the Wolf: there’s still time to get involved …
Tag: Young people
Thursday is Fun Day at Granton Youth Centre
Granton Youth Centre’s the place to be this Thursday as GYC are holding a fun day at West Granton Road from noon until 3pm.
Come along and join in games, bouncy castle, storytelling, face painting and a BBQ. Entry is free – all welcome!
For more info contact Granton Youth Centre on 467 5854
Growing up: award for young people’s volunteering project
Investors in Young People award for ProjectScotland
ProjectScotland, the charity which helps young people to get on in life through volunteering, has been awarded the Investors in Young People accreditation, a new award created by Investors in People Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government.
The accolade recognises employers for their recruitment and retention of young people in the work place. With a quarter of ProjectScotland staff (above) under 25 the award further cements ProjectScotland’s ethos and commitment to developing young people.
Congratulating the charity on their award, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment Annabelle Ewing said: “I would like to congratulate ProjectScotland on achieving the new Investors in Young People accreditation. ProjectScotland recognise the benefits of recruiting and developing young people and that it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.
“Employers have a crucial role to play in supporting youth employment in Scotland and the new Investors in Young People framework and accolade offers help and recognition which will encourage more employers to do that.”
Paul Reddish, CEO of ProjectScotland, said: “We are very proud of our Investors in Young People award. As a charity we offer 16 – 30 year olds a three month volunteering opportunity, allowing them to learn new skills and gain valuable experience while giving back to society as we believe that young people have the talent to transform their lives and the communities around them. That’s why here at ProjectScotland young people are a big part of our work force and we aim for this to not only continue but grow.
“This award acknowledges that we are investing in young people and it’s great to see the Scottish Government and Investors in People recognising our achievements.”
People management specialists, Investors in People selected a sample of employees from ProjectScotland to discuss various aspects of their role, the organisation and training as well as reviewing how the charity attracts, recruits and retains young people.
Ewan Hunter, Investor in People Specialist said: “ProjectScotland has a great ethos and are very well connected to the whole ‘Young People’ agenda. They have a clear understanding of the importance of employing and developing young people and the enormous benefits to both the employer and the young person.
“I would like to commend them and congratulate them on their award and achievements. We look forward to working with ProjectScotland as they continue the excellent work they do in this vital part of Scotland’s economy.”
Olympic torch shines at Sick Kids
‘The Olympic torch signifies strength, bravery and persistence – something which the patients of Edinburgh’s children’s hospital have bags of’ – Rachel McKenzie, Sick Kids Friends Foundation.
Ultra-marathon cyclist Katie Ford visited the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh recently to see the impact the Olympic torch she donated to the children’s hospital is having on patients of the Paediatric Neurology ward. Former Olympic torch-bearer Katie also presented a cheque for its new display case.
The iconic beacon, which featured in the London 2012 Olympic Games’ torch relay, has now been installed at the top of the hospital’s Ward 7 corridor to inspire young patients to try and walk the length of the pathway following major surgery.
Katie, who experienced up to three Grand-Mal epileptic seizures a week and up to15 Petit-Mal seizures a day spent five years in and out of the Sick Kids hospital as a youngster.
Fifteen years ago, the inspirational 29-year-old underwent life-changing surgery using equipment funded by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF). The video telemetry equipment was used to investigate Katie’s seizures and has allowed her to go on and participate in a number of gruelling charity cycles including Race Across America – an impressive 3,000 mile cycle trail with a 9 day time limit.
Glasgow born Katie said: “It’s fantastic to return to the hospital that gave me so much support in overcoming my epilepsy. The Sick Kids Friends Foundations’ funding meant I could go through the work up testing that allowed me to be selected for neurosurgery that changed my life, and will always have a special place in my heart for that reason.
“It’s so humbling to see the Olympic torch I carried during the 2012 relay take pride of place at Ward 7. I have been privileged enough to meet so many kids with epilepsy here whose dignity and strength is incredible and even helped me carrying on riding during the toughest part of the Race Across America.
“Without the staff and patients of Ward 7 and the hospital, I would never have had the honour of carrying the Olympic flame, or even been able to ride a bike safely. Because of this, I feel the torch belongs here and not with me. It’s an incredible thing and I just hope it continues to inspire the brave, young patients of ward 7 to get back on their feet as soon as they can, because they’ve already inspired me to do more with my own life.”
Rachel McKenzie, head of fundraising at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, added: “We feel very lucky to have such a treasured possession among the wards at the RHSC and are extremely grateful to Katie for this priceless gift. The Olympic torch signifies strength, bravery and persistence – something which the patients of Edinburgh’s children’s hospital have bags of.
“At the Foundation we’re working hard to ensure children are less scared during their time in hospital and have a positive experience – the Olympic torch is a fantastic asset which lights up ward 7 for our young patients. I have no doubt it will go on to inspire some future athletes and Olympians who, like Katie, will overcome the biggest of challenges.”
Pictured: Karen Duguid, Senior Charge Nurse from West Lothian, Katie Ford who donated the torch and Margaret McEwan, Play Specialist from East Lothian with the Olympic torch on Ward 7 at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.
A sporting summer at Spartans
Youth Work Provision at Spartans Community Football Academy over the summer holidays:
Street Football In A Safe Place (SFiSP):
Monday to Friday throughout the holidays from 1 – 5pm
Ages: 7-18
Cost – FREE
Location – The Spartans Community Football Academy, 94 Pilton Drive EH5 2HF, next to Ainslie Park Leisure Centre.
Details – SFiSP offers the opportunity for young people to come and play (for free) in a safe, fun and friendly environment. Our Youth Work Team are on the pitch throughout the afternoon to join in the fun and also to make all participants feel safe.
Our 3G requires that everyone on the pitch must wear football boots while playing, but not to worry if you don’t have any as we have a boot bank for those who don’t have boots but would still like to play -and everyone is welcome to borrow a pair!
FooTEA: Days
Friday Nights
Ages: 7 to 11yrs (5pm to 7:30pm), 12 to 15yrs (6pm to 8:15pm)
Cost – FREE
Location – The Spartans Community Football Academy, 94 Pilton Drive EH5 2HF, next to Ainslie Park Leisure Centre (although on occasion we do hold this elsewhere but parents/guardians will be given plenty of notice)
Details – FooTEA is one of the main youth provisions we run here at the SCFA. FooTEA runs from 5pm to 8:15pm every Friday night here at the Academy. The young people who attend spend the first hour playing football, and then afterwards we have a hot meal together, before they are allowed to take part in various activities such as Baking, Xbox, Pool, Table Tennis, Arts and Crafts, etc.
Coaching: Bend it like Beesley (BILB)
Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm throughout the school holidays
Ages: 3yrs to 12yrs (split into three groups:3 -4, 5-8 and 9 -12)
Cost – £40 for the whole week or £8 per day.
Location – The Spartans Community Football Academy, 94 Pilton Drive EH5 2HF, next to Ainslie Park Leisure Centre
Details – ‘Bend It Like Beesley’ is our fun packed holiday programme aimed at 3-12 year olds, named after Spartans First Team star and SCFA Development Officer, Jack Beesley.
The emphasis is on developing young children’s football skills, whilst providing a thoroughly enjoyable week – all under the watchful eye of our highly-qualified Academy coaches.
For more info visit http://scfacoaching.com/bend-it-like-beesley-2/
Jamie Tomkinson,
Youth and Community Worker, The Spartans Community Football Academy
Twitter: Spartans_CFA
Telephone: 0131-552-7854
MY set to grow with £25,000 grant
Muirhouse based MY Adventure (MYA) has received £25,000 to support plans for a training base at Towford to support their employability programme for young people from North Edinburgh.
The funds come from the £1 million Legacy 2014: Sustainable Sport for Communities Fund which was created with investment from the Scottish Government and The Robertson Trust, and has been delivered by these organisations in partnership with Social Investment Scotland, sportscotland and Senscot.
MYA, a trading arm of Muirhouse Youth Development Group, plan to use the funds to help transform the Towford Outdoor Education Centre residential facility in the Borders (pictured above). The space will be turned into a training base for their MY Academy programme, a unique employability scheme for young people in North Edinburgh.
MYA is one of twelve third sector organisations to receive a total of over £250,000 in the fund’s second round of awards to help develop sports facilities for use by their local communities.
Ja:mes Howell, Director of MYA said: “Support from the Legacy 2014 fund will enable MY Adventure to realise the potential of our Towford Outdoor Centre in the Scottish Borders. The centre will operate as a training centre for our MY Academy programme, helping young people in North Edinburgh.
“It will also provide a wild retreat for children and young people from North Edinburgh and a space for meaningful outdoor learning. The Legacy fund will support a project officer to focus on the development of the project as well as community consultation, including conducting a full feasibility report for the building and its land and business planning to ensure the project’s success.
“MY Adventure is looking forward to this exciting project taking shape and offering increased opportunities for the communities of North Edinburgh.”
Alastair Davis, Chief Executive of Social Investment Scotland which administers the fund, said: “MYA has presented a compelling case outlining the benefits of their plans which will provide an incredible opportunity for local young people, families and marginalised communities in North Edinburgh.
We know that sport has the potential to bring a whole range of benefits to local communities and therefore we look forward to seeing the benefits their outdoor learning programme will have on the community of Muirhouse and surrounding areas.”
Other organisations receiving funding include Active Bellshill who will receive £14,000 for the planning of a new sports hub in Glasgow, the Comrie Development Trust who will receive £15,000 to carry out a study into local sports and recreational needs, and Scottish Athletics who will receive £25,000 to look at how they can increase community engagement through their clubs.
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: “Small organisations like this are doing tremendous work to encourage more Scots to be more active, more often. Almost a year after Glasgow hosted the best Games ever, it’s important that Scotland continues to benefit from their legacy, and this fund is a key part of those efforts.
“The Sustainable Sport for Communities Fund is there to offer help to social enterprises and to allow them to ensure their long term sustainability. I look forward to seeing the positive impact the Fund will make.”
Kenneth Ferguson, Director of The Robertson Trust, added: “Sport can provide a range of positive benefits for individuals and communities. We are delighted to be able to use this Legacy 2014 programme to support organisations across Scotland which are helping to enhance the lives of the people they work with through sport.”
20 July Fun at Easter Drylaw Park
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust are hosting an afternoon of summer activities in Easter Drylaw Park on Monday 20th July ( 2 – 4pm), alongside the council’s summer programme of outdoor events.
You can try out and enjoy some biking with the Bangholm Outdoor Centre or some hula hooping with the Hula Honeys. At 2.30, a guided nature walk sets off to help you explore and discover who and what lives in the park, its hedges and trees (you’ll be amazed!)
There’s a parkour workshop to take part in or just watch. Or else join the treasure hunt for some prizes. And you can make your own skateboard design (materials provided).
This is all on top of all the other events in the park that day as part of ‘Fun in the Park’ with the CEC Community Learning Team – football, golf, juggling circus skills, slackline, bats and balls, frisbees and much more …
The event is being run by ELGT with support from the Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership – follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Police pooh-pooh Porty party plans!
Officers pour cold water over beach party plan
Police are urging organisers of a beach party to get in touch:
UNLICENSED GATHERING -PORTOBELLO
Local officers in Portobello are aware of social media messages which suggest a beach party will take place on Portobello Beach on Wednesday evening (8 July).
Events such as these require a public entertainment licence and involve lots of planning and consultation to make sure all of those in attendance are kept safe.
So far, our colleagues at the City of Edinburgh Council have received no application for a Portobello Beach Party.
We are committed to keeping our communities safe and local policing teams will monitor the area on Wednesday to engage with members of the public and address any issues which may arise.
If anyone is planning a party on Portobello Beach, we would ask that they contact us and the City of Edinburgh Council so we can discuss all the relevant safety matter and ensure appropriate resources are utilised.
Mum, I’m bored …
We’re just one week into the school holidays – only SIX weeks to go! See below for a list of what’s available locally to keep your little darlings amused …
Summer Programme 2015 All in One
Have your say on youth manifesto
Youth Parliament launches biggest ever manifesto consultation
The Scottish Youth Parliament has launched its youth manifesto consultation to gather the views of thousands of young people across Scotland.
Former Chairs of the organisation, current and former members, and partner organisations gathered at an event in Edinburgh last week to mark SYP’s 16th Birthday, and celebrate the achievements of Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament throughout the years.
The manifesto consultation, called Lead the Way, offers Scotland’s young people an opportunity to be the driving force and shape the years ahead. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament will be consulting with young people all over the country, about a wide range of policy issues, to establish the biggest youth manifesto ever produced in Scotland.
In 2011, the Scottish Youth Parliament published its 2011-2016 youth manifesto, Change the Picture, which saw around 43,000 young people share their views on a range of issues of importance to young people.
Jordan Linden MSYP, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “As a youth-led organisation, our consultation work is at the very heart of everything we do and forms an invaluable part of our vision and values.
“Young people must be at the heart of discussions about their future, leading conversations in their communities, schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces. Young people are not only the future of our country, they are the present. The purpose of today is very simple, we are asking the young people of Scotland to lead the way.
“Our previous manifestos have given us the mandate to make significant changes in local and national policy, including ensuring 16 and 17 year olds could vote in the referendum and in the Scottish Parliament elections next year. I think it’s fitting that we celebrate these achievements today, but that we also look forward and ask ourselves: what more we can do to empower young people to make significant change?
“Through our manifesto consultation, we will ensure young people’s voices are heard. The views of Scotland’s young people underpin everything we do as an organisation, and our 2016-2021 youth manifesto will allow young people to truly lead the way in championing the issues that young people care about.”
Edinburgh Northern & Leith MSYP Terri Smith added: “This is our fifth manifesto since we were established in 1999 and back in 2010 we received 42,804 responses to the consultation making it the largest youth consultation in Scotland.
“We have high hopes of doubling the figures from 2010 whilst making sure as many young people aged 12-25 in Edinburgh have their say.
“I’m now the Scottish Youth Parliament current longest serving member so have high hopes for what’ll be my last term as a MSYP. Over the past six years I’ve developed a real passion for ensuring Scotland’s most vulnerable and disenfranchised young people have their say – particularly the young people of Edinburgh Northern and Leith (the constituency I represent).
“Our manifesto is called ‘Lead the Way’ and you can view the online version here https://www.surveymonkey.
the official hashtag is #thewayto2021