© Young Scot 2008

© Young Scot 2008

Who is Young Scot?

• National youth information charity for Scotland• Registered charity, based in Edinburgh• Established for over 25 years• Supporting young people aged 11 - 26• Co-located with YouthLink Scotland and the

Scottish Youth Parliament• Work with all 32 Local Authorities via Dialogue

Youth partnership initiative

© Young Scot 2008

Young Scot Aims

To provide young people, aged 11 - 26, with a mixture of information, ideas and incentives to help them become confident, informed and active citizens.

We do this in a variety of formats so young people can access information in a way they are comfortable with. It is our hope that the information we provide will enable them to:

– Make informed decisions and choices – Turn their ideas into action – Take advantage of the opportunities available to them – Have the confidence and knowledge to take their place as active

citizens in their communities- locally, nationally and globally.

© Young Scot 2008

Services for Young People…

© Young Scot 2008

Engagement with Young People

• Numerous ways YS engages with young people– Outreach– Advisory groups– Inclusion Audit– Social Networking– Opportunities– Volunteering– Events– Etc!

© Young Scot 2008

Engagement in Decision Making

• Three examples:

– Local Investigation Teams

– Access All Areas

– Youth Commission

© Young Scot 2008

Local Investigation Teams

• Working at a local level• Teams of young people• Peer-to-peer• Research and investigation• Supported• National Discussion Day• Final reports

© Young Scot 2008

Access All Areas

• RRRI – Inclusion • Sensitising local services• Working with (e.g.)

– Chinese Youth Group (D&G)– Gypsy Traveller Group (Midlothian)– Polish Group (Aberdeenshire)– City of Edinburgh Pakistan Association

• Linking with local decision-makers• Enhancing access and promote inclusion • “Young Scot: All In”

© Young Scot 2008

Youth Commission

• First of it’s kind – completely youth-led• Supported by Scottish Government• Scotland’s “relationship with alcohol”• 19 youth commissioners, 14 – 21• Research & Investigation• Backed by expert advisors• Use of social networking• Report to Shona Robison, Health Minister• Directly influencing policy

© Young Scot 2008

Conclusions & Principles

• Informed participation• The “circle” of engagement• Buy-in from decision-makers• Trust• Youth-led• Incentivisation / accreditation• Online / offline• Flexibility

© Young Scot 2008

Group Discussion

• In the same groups consider the same community safety issue and explore:

– How could young people be involved in planning activity to influence attitudes?

– Is there a wider role for young people to be involved in decisions about how your organisation/ partnership tackles this issue?

© Young Scot 2008