Youth Participation Monthly Bulletin July 2011

Youth Participation in Midlothian Monthly Bulletin – July 2011

Taking

Action!

Having

a Voice!

Youth

Leading

the Way!

Making a

Difference!

Making

Things

happen!

Working

with

Others!

Improving

the

community!


CONTENTS of MONTHLY BULLETIN Pg. No:

MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH PLATFORM - MYP 1

Monthly General Meeting update

Monthly Executive Meeting update

MYP Antisocial Behaviour Film crew social Event

LOCAL AREA YOUTH FORUMS 2

Dalkeith Youth Forum - DYF

Newbattle Youth Forum - NYF

Penicuik Youth Forum - PYF

Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF

SECONDARY SCHOOLS REPRESENTATION 3

Autumn Term Plan for Midlothian

SPECIFIC INTEREST GROUPS 5

Kids In Care Krew - KICK

Gypsy Traveller Action Group – GTAG

MIDLOTHIAN MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT 6

MSYP Gina Clark MSYP

MIDLOTHIAN YOUNG CASH BACK FOR COMMUNITIES ASSESSORS 7

MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH LEGACY AMBASSADORS 7

MIDLOTHIAN PEOPLE‟S EQUALITY GROUP 8

MYP YOUTH PARTICIPATION RESOURCES 8

MIDLOTHAN YOUNGSCOT SUMMER ACADEMY 8

YOUNGSCOT MIDLOTHIAN HOMEPAGE STATISTICS 11

NEW YOUNG SCOT SITE 12

YOUNGSCOT WOW 12

YOUTH PARTICIPATION FUNDING UPDATE 12

The Youth Participation in Midlothian Monthly Bulletin provides an update into the work of

young people who come together to make a difference to the lives of others and

improve their communities.

If you would like to find out more about youth participation opportunities, please contact

Clare Taylor-Brown – Community Learning & Development Worker – Youth Participation

on 0131 271 3714 or email: [email protected]


1

MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH PLATFORM: MYP Monthly Meeting MYP held their monthly meeting on the 14th July 2011 at the Dalkeith Arts Centre with 9

members attending. Guest Rebecca Squirrell – Planning manager Children & families

informed the group about the new plan and key priorities and the opportunities for

members of MYP to influence and participate on the partnership board. Other options to

be involved were discussed and the group decided to discuss these further at the

Executive meeting and then respond to Rebecca.

Guest PC Allan McLean from the Safer Communities Team also attended the meeting to

discuss the „no knives safer lives‟ initiative. From this a very interactive discussion took place

around knife carrying in Midlothian and different approaches to get the „no knives safer

lives‟ message across.

Representative groups and SYP updates were highlighted. Other items on the agenda

discussed were Youth Achievement awards for KICK and the previous members of PEST,

promotional materials, upcoming events and fundraising. MYP also organised a summer

social and an event for the Anti-social behaviour Film Crew in recognition of their

dedication and hard work throughout the summer 2010.

MYP Executive Meeting MYP held their executive meeting at Newbattle Community Centre on Thursday the 4th of

August. 5 young people attended and current membership, decision making in Midlothian

council, concerns regarding the new role of the CLD –youth participation worker and

funding. If you would like to find out more about Youth participation or Midlothian Youth Platform, contact:

Clare Taylor-Brown on 0131 271 3714 or email: [email protected]

Midlothian Youth Platform

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=181023141500

MYP Antisocial behaviour film crew Social Event

On Monday evening, the 25th July, 8 members involved in the creation of the “Antisocial

Behaviour Film: What‟s the Big Deal!” went bowling at World of Football to celebrate all

their dedication and commitment over the summer period 2010.

Maxine McIntyre said of the event “It‟s been great to have the opportunity to have some

fun with the group after working so hard together to make the film and resource pack such a success.” To see the Antisocial Behaviour Film: What‟s the Big Deal! visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJKq80G7_KE

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=181023141500



2

LOCAL AREA YOUTH FORUMS: Newbattle Youth Forum NYF: 6 members of NYF met on the 4th July at Newbattle Community Learning Centre. Two

guests attended: Clare Taylor-Brown and Paul Johnston both CLD staff. Paul informed the

group about the opportunity to get involved in both the Newtongrange and Mayfield &

Easthouses Neighbourhood planning meetings to ensure that young people‟s views are

heard and included in future developments in the area. Clare discussed the opportunity to

represent the Newbattle area on Midlothian Youth Platform as membership had recently

reduced from the allocated 4 positions to one. Martin Marr with support from fellow

members agreed to represent the group leaving 2 positions on MYP for NYF.

Two members Emma and Rachel Cassells attended both the Video blogging and

podcasting training sessions in the Midlothian Young Scot Summer Academy. If you would like to find out more about Newbattle Youth Forum, contact: Nicola Grant on 0131 270

5698 or email: [email protected]

Lasswade Youth Forum LYF: 3 members of LYF met on the 5th July at Lasswade High School. 1 new member started –

Evans Gwenhure who is also a member of MPEG - „Midlothian People‟s Equality Group‟

which promotes equality, challenges prejudice and encourages collaboration between

different communities of people across the Midlothian. The group concentrated on the

organization and facilitation of the event in the Lasswade area, now taking place on the

12th August at Lasswade High School with the following aims:

o To provide a platform for local young musicians to showcase their music

o To promote Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF

o To recruit new members for Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF

o To raise funds for an LYF residential

Publicity and promotion of the event was a key item on the agenda. If you would like to find out more about Lasswade Youth Forum, contact: Clare Taylor-Brown on 0131

271 3714 or email: [email protected]

Penicuik Youth Forum PYF: No PYF meeting took place in July 2011. If you would like to find out more about Penicuik Youth Forum, contact: Bruce Fraser on 01968

6644108 or email: [email protected]

Dalkeith Youth Forum DYF: No DYF meeting took place in July 2011. If you would like to find out more about Dalkeith Youth Forum, contact: Gary Fraser on 0131 271 3496

or email: [email protected]

FACEBOOK

All area Youth Forums have now got group facebook sites – Check it out!

Newbattle Youth Forum https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_161111203954372 Lasswade Youth Forum https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_211822038856937&ap=1 Penicuik Youth Forum https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_117698531652146&ap=1 Dalkeith Youth Forum

https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_161111203954372



https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_211822038856937&ap=1

https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_117698531652146&ap=1



3

SECONDARY SCHOOLS REPRESENATION: Previously school representation on Midlothian Youth Platform took place through

elections within school pupil councils, as members were already representatives for

their class/house peers. This approach worked for some schools and not for others.

MYP proposed changes to current approach:

Due to difficulty in recruiting and sustaining school representatives through school

pupil councils, Midlothian Youth Platform suggested that:

1. Elections take place outwith the pupil councils, promoting engagement and

involvement of all school pupils in the process of standing for election and

electing representation on to Midlothian Youth Platform.

2. MYP membership places for each Midlothian Secondary school increase from

2 to 3 places

3. Elected school representatives are co-opted by their school on to the School

Pupil Council

4. Elected school representatives sit on MYP for a term of 2 years –in the case of

the representative leaving school, then the school would support another

election for a replacement representative

Process and timescale:

Promotion of opportunity to stand for election on to MYP

Throughout the first 3 weeks of term (Aug18th – Sept 9th) the opportunity to

stand for election will be promoted through:

(Publicity materials – Posters and Leaflets, School Screens, GLOW, Young Scot

Midlothian Homepages, Assemblies, Head teachers/teachers, CLD staff, SYP

staff and MYP members at information and awareness raising lunch-time

sessions)

Interested individuals provided with information on role/responsibilities and

opportunities and application forms which need to be received by the CLD

Youth Participation Worker by September 9th

All candidates must deliver their manifesto in a 2 minute film – Filming to take

place week 12th -16th September

Candidate‟s information (from application form) and manifesto film are

uploaded on to their school Glow site 19th September

Alan Thomson has agreed to do this.

Promotion of pupils right to vote online for their preferred candidate

Online voting takes place through the Glow survey facility or survey monkey

over a 1week period wk commencing the 19th September, during which time

candidates can promote themselves/answer questions from peers/put

posters up/etc.

Successful candidates are informed through GLOW on the 26th September


4

Supported by Colin Taylor- Head of Education, the following timetable has been

agreed:

Wk

No

Dates Action By

1-4 18th August –

9th Sept

Promotion of opportunity to stand

for election on to MYP

Interested individuals provided with

information on role/responsibilities

and opportunities and application

forms

Schools/CLD/MYP/SYP

End

of

Wk 4

9th September All completed application forms

received

Candidates & CLD -

Youth Participation

Wk 5 12th -15th

September

All candidates‟ manifestos filmed -

2 minutes maximum

CLD - Youth

Participation & MYP

Film maker

Wk 6 20th

September

Candidate‟s information and

manifesto film are uploaded on to

the Midlothian level Glow site with

sub-groups created for each

school

Alan Thomson

Wk 6 20th – 23rd

September

Online voting takes place through

the Glow survey facility or survey

monkey over a 1week period

Alan Thomson

Wk 7 26th September Successful candidates to represent

each school are identified

Alan Thomson

SPECIFIC INTEREST GROUPS: The Young Gypsy Traveller Action Group –GTAG

The film and comic created by the GTAG group will now be

used as an educational resource for a number of gypsy

traveller awareness sessions delivered by Mhairi Craig -

Support/Development Worker, Gypsy Travellers with Shelter.

key findings from both the Gypsy Traveller Action Group and

the International Bright Young Sparks – IBYS are collated in the

Young Scot Access All Areas final report:

www.youngscot.net/files/filegetr.asp?ID=459


5

The Kids In Care Krew - KICK

Some of the members of KICK in their new T-shirts funded by the Young Scot Action Fund

KICK Meetings

In July the KICK group met on 3 occasions. On both the 11th and 18th July the group met to

do further planning and preparation for the KICK Info Disco at Dalkeith Miners Club,

scheduled for Thursday the 28th July from 7-11.00pm. The group discussed roles and

responsibilities, prepared speeches and shopping lists for catering, etc. However,

unfortunately due to an extremely low uptake/response, KICK had to cancel the event at

Dalkeith Miners Club, scheduled for Thursday the 28th July from 7-11.00pm.

On the 28th July 3 KICK members met at MYPAS and suggested meeting young people in

care at their residential unit/school or at the Dalkeith Social Work centre to promote KICK

and asking Young Scot if the monies received could be used by the group for teambuilding

as there are growing tensions and divides developing effecting group cohesion and

progress.

The NEW „Having Your Say forms‟

The group developed 2 new forms in place of the previous Having Your Say form: one for

under 12years; and one for over 12years.

Elaine Fyfe – Team Leader: Throughcare and Aftercare, emailed to say “Congratulations to

the KICK group in re-designing the “Have Your Say” forms that will be sent out to all young

people to complete prior to a LAAC Review. These come in two colours and two age

ranges (under and over 12) Historically we have not seen many returns so here is an

opportunity to encourage children and young people to have their views heard.”.

The KICK film is now available to see on the KICK webpage on the Midlothian Young Scot

homepages: http://www.youngscot.org/features/?ss=1940&s=17&sr=768

If you would like to find out more about the Kids In Care Krew, contact: Clare Taylor-Brown on 0131

271 3714 or email: [email protected]

http://www.youngscot.org/features/?ss=1940&s=17&sr=768



6

MIDLOTHIAN MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT

MSYP Gina Clark and the New Scottish Youth Parliament Campaign

On the 24th July Gina was a judge on Dalkeith‟s got Talent. Interesting the young person

who came second and the young person who came third are or have been youth participants

through the youth participation structure in Midlothian.

On the 26th July Gina met SYP staff to plan a session she will be delivering on creative campaigning

at the Festival of Politics Event on the 20th of August. This event will include young people from 33

organisation members of SYP and individuals all coming together for a day in the parliament to

discuss issues that affect them and look at ways in which young people can voice those issues. There

will be a marketplace where young people can mingle and find out more about each other‟s

groups. There will also be sessions on using Photography, Cartoons and street art to express opinions

and the day will finish with a debate in the main chamber of issues that the young people attend

have chosen. So if you would like to go let Gina know a.s.a.p.

On the 27th July Gina appeared in the Metro paper in an article about her passion for youth issues

and nomination to carry the Olympic torch.

Gina also wrote a column for the Dalkeith Advertiser with an update on national and local matters.

Gina would like to inform all that the Penicuik neighbourhood development plan action planning

events have all taken place and a report with regards young people and youth issues will be

available soon for distribution. The Say No to the merger of the Penicuik town secondary schools

campaign is now cancelled as no split site campus will now take place due to the high level of

protest. To find out more about SYP, visit: www.syp.org.uk or facebook.com/OfficialSYP or twitter.com/OfficialSYP or

youtube.com/OfficialSYP. If you would like to contact your MSYP, email: [email protected]

Get in touch with Gina This month Gina has set up a facebook page and a twitter account:

Twitter name : ginaclarkxx

Facebook name : Gina Clark MSYP

On both these sites Gina will be posting upcoming events, what she has been up to, discuss issues

and get your views. So please add Gina to your friends and pass on to other young people in your

area.

The New Scottish Youth Parliament Campaign is Marriage Equality - to allow

same-sex couples to marry and to extend civil partnerships to heterosexual

couples. Gina has emailed MSPs, the local MEP and councillors to inform

them of the campaign and asks young people who are supportive to sign

the petition "Scottish Government: Consult on same-sex marriage and

registration of civil partnerships now!"

Visit: http://www.change.org/petitions/scottish-government-consult-on-

same-sex-marriage-and-registration-of-civil-partnerships-now

http://www.syp.org.uk/


http://www.change.org/petitions/scottish-government-consult-on-same-sex-marriage-and-registration-of-civil-partnerships-now

http://www.change.org/petitions/scottish-government-consult-on-same-sex-marriage-and-registration-of-civil-partnerships-now


7

MIDLOTHIAN YOUNG CASH BACK FOR COMMUNITIES ASSESSORS Every local authority CashBack for Communities Fund Assessment Panel

includes young people to complement the other assessors from

voluntary youth work organisations and statutory services. Ryan Sturrock

stepped up to take on this role for Midlothian. The role of CashBack

Assessors is to score applications submitted from youth work

organisations in their area, provide a two page electronic summary of

the application and score which is then used at the local assessment

panel to assist with making awards. Ryan attended a session of Bid Assessment Training

(BAT) on the 28th July 2011 and stated “It was really interesting training and I learned alot

about the funding project criteria and assessment process.” To find out more about cashback for communities, visit: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback

Flying the flag at the „Riding‟ - Procession to the Scottish Parliament

From left to Right: Ryan Sturrock, Karen Watson and Cathy McKenzie

Cathy McKenzie, Karen Watson and Ryan Sturrock are the Commonwealth Games 2014

Youth Legacy Ambassadors for Midlothian. As Youth Legacy Ambassadors they will help

ensure that the Games leave a lasting legacy of a more active, healthier and sustainable

Scotland in their communities.

celebrates the opening of the new session of Parliament. Catherine McKenzie said of the

event, “It was a fantastic experience and it was wonderful to be part of it, Alex Salmond,

the first Minister gave Karen and I a wave.”

Karen Watson is also organizing a meeting up with Young Scot to look at ways of promoting

and funding basketball in Midlothian.

To find out more about Youth Legacy Ambassadors:

http://www.youngscot.org/youthlegacy/?ss=1942&s=503&sr=1784&ID=28581

Two of Midlothian‟s Youth Legacy Ambassadors took part

in the „Riding‟ or procession to the Scottish Parliament

today, on 1st July 2011, alongside MSPs and

representatives of different aspects of Scottish culture and

society. Her Majesty the Queen, HRH The Duke of

Edinburgh, Presiding Officers and the First Minister greeted

the arrival of the riding procession in front of the Scottish

parliament building for a ceremony ceremony which

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback

http://www.youngscot.org/youthlegacy/?ss=1942&s=503&sr=1784&ID=28581


8

MIDLOTHIAN PEOPLE‟S EQUALITY GROUP Ryan Sturrock a member of „Midlothian People‟s Equality Group‟ or MPEG which promotes

equality, challenges prejudice and encourages collaboration between different

communities of people across the Midlothian showed the film he made on the Mela event

that the MPEG group organised, on the 6th of July at the Kabin, Loanhead. Members

attending the recent MPEG meeting gave really positive feedback.

For detailed information about MPEG contact Margaret Petrie, Equalities Engagement Officer,

Midlothian Council. Email: [email protected], Tel No: 0131 271 3449.

MYP YOUTH PARTICIPATION RESOURCES (Films) A number of resources are available which can be used to raise awareness of youth issues

and as educational resources, if you would like hard copies, contact Clare Taylor-Brown.

The International Bright Young Sparks - IBYS (BME group) who examined racism in the

community - Film: http://www.youngscot.org/features/?ss=1937&s=17&sr=768

The Gypsy Traveller Action Group - GTAG who shared insight into their culture and

concerns with their living conditions on-site- Film:


The PEST group who carried out research with young people with disabilities leaving

special education. - Film: http://www.youngscot.org/features/?ss=1939&s=17&sr=768

Antisocial Behaviour Film: What‟s the Big Deal! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJKq80G7_KE

Young Scot Summer Training Academy

Over the month of July 14 young people from the local authority area participated in the first

2 sessions of the Midlothian Young Scot Summer Academy. The Summer Academy is a

partnership project between Midlothian Community Learning & Development section and

Young Scot.

Midlothian Young Scot Summer Academy Training:

Two free, fun and interactive sessions were delivered by Young Scot staff in July:

1.

Video Bloggers at the Kabin, LCLC, 5 Mayburn

Walk, Loanhead EH20 9HG on Tuesday, 19th

July, 10am – 4pm

2.

Digital Voice/Podcasting at the Library –

Lasswade High School on Tuesday, 26th July,

10am – 4pm






9

Videoblogging

Videoblogging, like podcasting and writing on the web, allows young people to express

their own views and opinions. However the experience of a videoblog is much more

powerful as the audience have the opportunity to both see and hear the person behind

the story.

This course took young people through the equipment used and some of the issues that

need to be considered before creating a Videoblog. Finally, young people were able to

view their own videoblogs which they can upload to YouTube for everyone to see.

Eleven young people attended the videoblogging session.

Participants Feedback: 10/11 stated that they understood the value of video blogging

100% stated that they Developed an understanding of how to create a video blog

100% stated that they Gained knowledge and skills needed to work effectively both

behind and in front of the camera

100% stated that they Increased their motivation to play a more active role in creating

video blogs

What participants found most useful about the training:

“How to work a camera”

“How to make a video look more professional”

“How to interview people”

“I thought it was useful to learn to properly plan a video blog”

“Most people don‟t know how to change the way you talk, but I do know”

What participants enjoyed most about the workshop and why:

“Watching the video we made it was fun to watch”

“Watching the video at the end to see how I did”

“Meeting everyone”

“All of it”

“Vokpop”

“Cinema”

“Videoing people”

“Taping”


10

Digital Voice/Podcasting

Podcasts are a new and effective way of communicating with young people and be

downloaded to MP3 players or streamed online. If the internet is a city, then podcasts are

the most popular radio station on the air!

Young Scot: Digital Voice gives young people the skills to produce their own podcasts and

have their opinions and views heard throughout the web. At the end of the day

participants produced their own podcast and gained experience of interviewing, editing

and presenting their very own audio show, which they can upload to Young Scot‟s podcast

library or iTunes!

Ten young people attended the podcasting session.

Participants Feedback:

90% stated that they enjoyed the course and 10% stated that it was „OK‟

90% stated that they would recommend the course to their friends

70% stated they would possibly/definitely make a podcast again.

Skills Development:

80% stated that they developed and improved their speaking skills

100% stated that they developed and improved their interviewing skills

90% stated that they developed and improved their listening skills

90% stated that they developed and improved their technical skills

Comments:

“I liked it because it taught me computer skills. There was no worse thing (about the

workshop)!”

“We did not have enough time to edit everything, but it was ... fun.”

“Podcast was fun and I learned some new things. I really enjoyed it.”

“I liked the podcasting. There was nothing I least enjoyed.”

“I liked how we got to actually make a podcast and edited it after(wards). Also, I

liked how we made new friends.”

“I liked ...doing the podcast. There was nothing I enjoyed least.”

“Enjoyed the editing part. I didn‟t enjoy the listening part because I find that hard.”

“I enjoyed myself and I have learned a lot.”


11

Next month, the third and final session of the Summer Academy takes place, see below for

more details:

Date/Time Description Location Age Range Places Cost

Tuesday,2nd Aug

10am – 4pm

Young Scot: Media Savvy

Fun and interaction training on

giving young people an

essential grounding in

influencing the media in their

lives

Computer

Rm -

Penicuik

High School

12 to 25

years

10-16

Free

If you would like to find out more about Youth participation or would like to participate in the Summer

Academy, contact: Clare Taylor-Brown on 0131 271 3714 or email: clare.taylor-

[email protected]

Young Scot Midlothian Homepage Statistics Total number of hits for Midlothian content in July 2011: 5137

Breakdown of requests for local content

General Content 3462

News 1227

Rated Ballots 252

Survey 58

Events 129

Competitions 8

Special Offers 1

Registrations

Total number of young people registered to date: 336

Female: 191 Male: 143 Unspecified: 2

Breakdown of „General Content‟ Section

Features 2299

The L@b 458

Helpful Contacts 262

Home Page 200

Smartcards 243




12

New Young Scot Site – Makeover!

Young Scot WOW Young Scot WOW( What‟s On Where) is now the site to promote opportunities to young

people. If you would like instruction on how to post opportunities /upload opportunities

email the CLD Youth Participation worker [email protected].

To find out what‟s on where, visit: http://www.youngscotwow.org/

YOUTH PARTICIPATION FUNDING UPDATE Received: Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF secured £350.00 from Young Scot Youth Action Fund –

Lodged at Bank in MYP Account

Applications Submitted:

Midlothian Youth Platform - MYP applied to the Bank Of Scotland Foundation for £14,850.00

to fund a residential for current members and the newly elected 21 members representing

Midlothian secondary schools post the school elections in September.

End of funded project Evaluations:

The SGRF funded Youth Conference report is now complete and has been returned to the

Regeneration team with receipts to evidence the impact of the Youth Conference – „Give

Youth A Chance” in Midlothian.

The Community Safety funded „Antisocial Behaviour Film: What‟s the Big Deal!” project

report is currently being compiled to account for funding and impact.

Young Scot have launched a new version of their site, which is a

brand new build, still hosting the range of information, both local

and national, it will be an entry point to the Rewards systems later in

the year. Check it out!


http://www.youngscotwow.org/

Youth Participation Monthly Bulletin July 2011

Documents

Transcript of Youth Participation Monthly Bulletin July 2011