Measures to help re-engage young people from low-income backgrounds with school and address anti-social behaviour have been announced by Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson.
Third sector organisation Youth Scotland will deliver a £100,000 investment in grassroots youth work to secure safe spaces for young people, helping them overcome barriers to learning and develop skills.
In addition, £50,000 has been made available to YouthLink Scotland to support measures that focus on improving school attendance and positive behaviours.
Announcing the support at Scotland’s National Youth Work Conference yesterday, Mr Macpherson said: “We want to see further investment in projects and initiatives supporting young people from communities impacted by criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, to help them take a different pathway and develop positive skills they need for learning, life and work.
“I have seen the demonstrable difference that youth workers can make in helping to divert young people away from negative paths, and instead towards positive behaviours and destinations.
“Youth work can prevent violence and anti-social behaviour before it starts, by offering trusted relationships, safe environments, and positive role models, and often reducing risky harmful behaviours from escalating.
“Youth workers support young people to build confidence and resilience, and develop skills to navigate challenges, reach their full potential, and positively contribute to their communities.”
SCRAN ACADEMY and THE YARD to receive a share of over £1m to help put a stop to child poverty in Scotland
Three Edinburgh children’s charities have been named among 11 Scottish organisations as partners of STV Children’s Appeal’s new Ignite Fund.
Each charity will receive a share of £1 million this year through the funding programme created to deliver ongoing financial and non-financial support to children, young people and family charities in Scotland.
Since its inception in 2011, STV Children’s Appeal has invested in long-term projects with charitable organisations. The Ignite Fund, a key part of the Appeal, will continue to provide sustained, multi-year financial and development aid to charities across the country to help break the cycle of child poverty in Scotland.
The Edinburgh charities which will receive funding are:
Scran Academy which is a catering social enterprise empowering young people to realise their full potential through transformational education and employability programmes;
based in Edinburgh and operating Scotland wide is Place2Be & Youth Scotland which equips youth workers and Peer Leaders with the tools to provide vital support for young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and
The Yard which has a play and family support centre for disabled children in Edinburgh as well as other cities across Scotland.
These charities were chosen for their commitment to offering tangible, scalable solutions which tackle the root causes of poverty – an ethos shared by the Ignite Fund.
The STV Children’s Appeal will work closely with Ignite partners to identify goals, needs, and opportunities for growth, aiming to drive both immediate improvements and lasting systemic change.
The initiative will include the launch of the Ignite Academy which will offer charity partners access to STV’s in-house expertise (such as marketing, communications, and creative), while fostering a peer network for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Natalie Wright, Head of STV Children’s Appeal, said: “At STV Children’s Appeal, we have always focused on ensuring the funding we give is well thought through and with a purpose, which is exactly what we are doing with The Ignite Fund.
“Our experience shows that a sustained approach to our partnerships gives real results which make an immediate and lasting impact to those who need it most.
“We’re excited to welcome Place2Be back to continue our successful partnership, and to have The Yard and Scran Academy on board for the beginning of a fruitful relationship which will change lives.”
Scran Academyis in its first year of partnership with STV Children’s Appeal and provides meaningful youth-led education, employment and skills-building programmes through innovative catering social enterprises, helping young people realise their full potential.
The STV Children’s Appeal’s Ignite Fund will allow Scran Academy to reach younger age groups earlier, generate systemic change, and build capacity by opening new youth-led cafes, including one in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, opening this summer.
Scran Academy Founder and Chair, John Loughton said: “This is the largest single investment in Scran, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. This funding will create hundreds of new employment and training opportunities for young people across Lothian.
“Our team will keep driving lifechanging impact across education, enterprise and community development, led by the communities we serve. As Founder, I know at Scran we trust and believe that folk facing poverty are the solutions to their own lives – we see what they can do, not what they don’t have.
“Thank you to the STV Children’s Appeal, one of Scotland’s most forward-looking funders. We’re ready to get to work and quite literally, Cater for the Future.”
The Yard, which has a play and family support centre in Edinburgh, is dedicated to improving the lives of disabled children, young people, and their families across Scotland. Their mission is to create thriving, supportive communities that enhance the well-being of families facing the challenges of disability.
The organisation will be supported by the Ignite Fund for the first time as it sets out on its five-year strategy to expand its impact, improve inclusion, and ensure sustainable growth.
Celine Sinclair, CEO at the Yard, said: “The Ignite Fund partnership couldn’t have come at a better time for us at The Yard.
“Our Edinburgh based play and education centre is a thriving community space which makes a huge difference to the families we work with, and this new funding and support will help us grow and develop our team which will ultimately let us continue expanding across Scotland and helping more families than ever.”
Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity providing counselling and support to UK schools. In partnership with Youth Scotland, the national charity for community-based youth work development, they are setting out to equip community-based youth workers with the essential knowledge and understanding of young people’s mental health, and the skills and confidence to better support their emotional needs.
Michele Meehan, Head of Youth Work Programmes at Youth Scotland said: “The Ignite fund has allowed Place2Be and Youth Scotland to work together to create a suite of programmes and resources for youth workers in the community which are needed to support young people with the issues they currently face.”
New figures reveal worsening employment outlook for Scotland’s young people
New ‘Hatch’ programme will help 16-24 year olds in Scotland who have faced barriers to employment to build their work skills, confidence and land their first job
Number of young people not in employment, education or training on the rise, as two in three (62%) young people in Scotland say that the cost-of-living crisis has increased barriers to finding work
Two in five (43%) employers in Scotland say they are less likely to hire a young person now, due to the current economic climate
KFC, UK Youth and Youth Scotland have launched a new youth employability programme in Scotland to help 16-25 year olds who have faced barriers to employment, to build their work skills, confidence and land their first job, as new research reveals the cost of living has significantly worsened work and training opportunities for young people in Scotland.
The Hatch programme, which was piloted in Manchester last year, is currently being rolled out across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and surrounding areas. Working with UK Youth and Youth Scotland to identify young people most in need, the programme will offer participants 1-2-1 training, support, and practical work experience, with an interview at KFC on graduation.
The launch of the programme comes as new research from KFC, UK Youth and Youth Scotland reveals the stark impact the cost-of-living crisis has had on young people’s employment outlook in Scotland. This follows recent reports from the Office for National Statistics that the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) increased in April to June 2023, to a current estimate of 794,000 or 11.6%.
Two in three (62%) young people in Scotland say the cost-of-living crisis has increased barriers to finding employment, as two in five (43%) employers in Scotland say they are less likely to hire a young person now, given the current economic climate.
One in three (33%) young people in Scotland feel anxious about their employment, training and education prospects. One in four (26%) of Scottish young people say they do not feel confident about finding a job in the next 5 years, with this figure rising to 28% when asked how they feel about the future in general.
For employers in Scotland the difficult economic climate means hiring young people has taken a backseat to other priorities. Increasingly, employers in Scotland were found to be reducing training and development opportunities available for young people in a bid to reduce costs: half (49%) of employers in Scotland say they are less able to invest in upskilling young people now, while 77% of employers are worried about the future for young people given the current state of the economy and job market.
Nonetheless, employers in Scotland recognise the important role they can play in supporting young people into employment, as 89% believe that employers have a responsibility to help young people into the workforce and 88% say they want to do more to help them develop their skills.
To help reduce the barriers young people face across the UK, KFC, UK Youth and Youth Scotland are calling on government to work more closely with businesses to ensure young people are being equipped with the skills that will help them thrive in the workplace.
They are also calling for a joined-up strategy that brings together businesses with local authorities, job centres and youth work organisations to better connect young people with job and training opportunities in their local area.
Meg Farren, General Manager, KFC UK & Ireland, said:“Young people today are facing greater challenges than ever before. The pandemic took away crucial skills and career development opportunities – now, they’re faced with a cost-of-living crisis and uncertain economy, making it so much harder to land their first job.
“As one of the biggest youth employers in the country, we see first-hand how difficult it is for young people to build the skills and experience they need to enter the world of work and our latest research demonstrates how today’s economic climate is only making this harder for young people.
“There are buckets of talent across the UK, but all too often young people are cut out of accessing opportunities. That needs to change. That’s why we’re excited to be bringing our employability programme Hatch to Scotland, to invest in the next generation and help unlock some of this untapped potential.
“Working with UK Youth and Youth Scotland, Hatch, will help young people across Scotland to build their skills, confidence and land their first job.”
Jacob Diggle, Director of Strategy, Research and Impact at UK Youth, said: “The lingering effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis are having a damaging impact on the employment prospects of young people. We cannot ignore the concerns of the next generation as they attempt to enter the world of work – their success is crucial to the success of our economy and our country.
“Youth work can play a huge part in tackling the rise in youth unemployment. However, these life changing services are under strain and need more support – as highlighted by our cost of living campaign. The partnership between youth work and businesses is vital to meeting the scale of need.
“We are proud that our Hatch programme with KFC will help thousands of disadvantaged young people develop the confidence and skills they need to secure stable employment.”
Mike Strang, Youth Scotland Chief Executive said: “The Hatch programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Scotland who are facing multiple barriers to entering the workforce. Youth work meets young people where they are at and Hatch does that while offering tangible skills, support and opportunities for young people to realistically set their sights on employment.
“Youth employability programmes like Hatch offer pragmatic solutions and real prospects to some of the most disadvantaged of Scotland’s young people.”
Jordan McQuade, participant of the Hatch programme, said:“There are loads of barriers I faced when looking for employment. Prior to the Hatch programme, I’d spent two years trying to find a job that worked for me and my disability. The cost-of-living crisis had made the situation even worse, which made me feel anxious about my future and ability to find a job.
“However, my experience on the Hatch programme has been really positive and helped me to manage my mental health. The training has grown my confidence, and it’s been great to meet so many other young people working at KFC – I feel like I’ve made friends for life!
“Since completing the Hatch programme, I’ve been given a permanent part-time job at KFC, which is supporting me financially whilst I continue to study at college.”
Since piloting Hatch in Manchester last year, 80 young people have successfully graduated from the programme, with more than 50% finding full time employment as a result. By 2024, KFC is aiming to have upskilled 1,100 young people, ensuring they’re ready for future work, training or education through the Hatch programme.
An innovative project to encourage girls at city high schools to become more active is being launched by the City of Edinburgh Council today.
The first ‘Girls Day Out’ conference has been organised by the Council’s Active Schools team and aims to inspire, encourage and support girls to become more active, raise the profile of successful girls and their achievements and educate girls on the power of sport.
The event, which has been organised in partnership with Youth Scotland and sportscotland, will involve more than 150 girls from S1 to S5 year groups across the city who will gather at Wester Hailes Education Centre, from 10am until 2pm.
It will be an interactive, fun packed day where the girls will hear from inspiring female role-models and learn about the power of sport. The day will be made up of a number of workshops including nutrition, a mental wellbeing and alternative physical activity sessions including jump rope, trampolining and PiYo (cross between Pilates and Yoga).
Partners Youth Scotland, who will support the delivery of some of the workshops on the day, have also funded for the girls who attend the conference to be put through the Dynamic Youth Awards which is a peer-assessed awards recognising the contributions and achievements of young people in the 10+ age group.
Councillor Cathy Fullerton, Vice Convener for Education, Children & Families at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Often girls give up sport when they start at high school so ‘Girls Day Out’ is a great way to encourage them to become more active and discover the different and fun ways to achieve this.
“I am sure that the great programme of activities at Wester Hailes today will show the girls the benefits of taking part in PE, sport and physical activity.”
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive, sportscotland, said: “Our aim with Active Girls is to work with our partners to increase participation in PE, sport and physical activity amongst girls and young women. ‘Girls Day Out’ is a terrific way for schools, clubs and hubs to showcase the opportunities available both locally and nationally.
“The Active Schools team here in Edinburgh has put together a very comprehensive and innovative programme to highlight the benefits of an active lifestyle in a fun and interactive way. I’m sure it will be a great success.”
Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council, LGBT Youth Scotland and Leith Academy in collaboration with Lothian LGBT Development Group are jointly hosting an event to celebrate LGBT History Month 2015.
LGBT History Month: Education and Equality
Thursday 26 February 2015, 5.30 – 8pm
Leith Academy , 20 Academy Park, Edinburgh, EH6 8JQ
LGBT History Month takes place in Scotland every February. It is an opportunity to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) lives and culture by exploring our own and others’ histories in an LGBT context. It is also an opportunity for learning, discussion and debate around the continued journey for complete LGBT inclusion.
The theme for LGBT History Month 2015 is Education, and this evening will be an opportunity to hear how improved equalities can support pupils and students to achieve.
This year’s celebration will bring together communities to increase awareness of different identities and cultures. It will feature keynote speakers, multicultural performances, dances and live music. It will appeal to teachers, students, professionals and community members.
Can you please share the invitation to friends and family who might be interested in attending the event?
Youth Scotland kicked off its 80th anniversary celebrations with ‘Opening Doors’, an event showcasing the achievements of young people, at the Edinburgh Airport Hilton Hotel last Saturday (2 November).
The interactive event, themed around the opportunities created for young people through youth work, included performances and showcased the projects that Youth Scotland currently delivers to young people across the country.
Around a hundred people attended the Opening Doors event, which featured a keynote speech from Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People, a rousing choir performance from the BIG Youth Project, and a terrific dance routine performed by Kic Dance on the theme of “opening doors”.
As well as performances from young people, a marketplace showcased the range of projects and opportunities that Youth Scotland offers. Projects that are opening doors for young people include Bike Club, Girls on the Move, Stand Up To Sectarianism, Dynamic Youth Awards and Youth Achievement Awards.Ian McLaughlan, Chief Executive of Youth Scotland, said: “As Youth Scotland enters its eightieth year, we felt it was important to highlight some of the amazing achievements of Scotland’s young people. The Opening Doors event has shown just how diverse a membership Youth Scotland has, with small rural youth groups all the way to large, well established urban projects all working together to reach the common goal of creating opportunities for young people and giving them the best start in life.
There is no doubt that today there are many challenges to face, but Youth Scotland is working hard to open doors for young people and we look forward to another 80 years of positive youthwork.”
Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People, said: “Opening Doors is a great title for Youth Scotland’s 80th Anniversary celebrations and an important opportunity to recognise and showcase young people’s amazing achievements and contributions.
“The theme of Opening Doors reflects all that Youth Scotland and its members are doing to deliver innovative and meaningful youth work programmes that open up positive opportunities for young people across Scotland.
“With its membership of over 1,200 groups, working with more than 60,000 young people, Youth Scotland’s network is making a significant contribution towards improving life chances and wellbeing.”
