The Link Magazine issue 28 by Sarah Robinson

National Youth Worker of the Year Awards Special

THE

Our triple award winners find a new youth work rhythm

The Link dusts off any preconceived ideas about some of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more established youth work organisations

Peer Mentoring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; young people doing it for themselves

Issue 28 | Spring 2013

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S INTRODUCTION

The last few months have been something of a roller coaster for youth work with local government budget setting, the considerable issues surrounding national voluntary sector core funding and the continuing hiatus concerning youth work and CLD strategies taking centre stage in the negative column. On a positive note however, we have seen tremendous examples of good practice come through our National Youth Worker of the Year Awards presented by Aileen Campbell MSP. Once again the Awards have given us glowing examples of selfless commitment to the cause of our young people. This year a youth led and youth inspiring project swept the boards with winners in three categories. This success for Erskine Music and Media Project is testament to the quality of support given by Renfrewshire Council staff. Youth Work is one of the few vocations that has people from 16 to 80 years old involved as leaders and volunteers all working towards helping young people grow and develop their skills. It was great to see so many of these folk honoured in a very special way at YouthLink Scotland’s Annual Awards. We have also had a wonderful Young Quality Scot Celebration, hosted by Inverclyde Council, a really well organised and attended Scottish Youth Parliament sitting and an amazing election process with multiple partners involved in 2 | Spring 2013 | The Link

ensuring as high a take up and turn out as possible in the elections. In addition our No knives, better lives – We CTV DVD Awards attended by Kenny MacAskill MSP was a great success and well done to the Scottish Youth Parliament and all the entrants. Earlier in the year we held an all day event with those delivering 16 Plus Activity Agreements and we have also produced an exciting and important report on leaver destinations from the programme (available on our website). I have had the privilege of attending the Boys’ Brigade Chief Officers Conference and it was inspiring to see so many volunteers giving of their time and expertise. Well done to the BBs for having their King George VI training course levelled by SCQF and endorsed by SQA. Also in the voluntary sector we have or are in the process of saying goodbye to two Chief Executives with both Heather Gray at the Prince’s Trust and Carol Downie from Youth Scotland both moving on. We wish them well. Internally we will have a final report to consider with all our partners from the Youth Work and Schools Partnership and this will include recommendations about how we continue to progress this work. Our thanks to Stephen McKenzie and Karen Delaney, Chair and Vice Chair and all members of that group past and present for their time and commitment. Another important milestone has been reached in terms of the CLD Standards Council with the launch of registration for full and associate members. The Standards Council also sees change at the top with Duncan Simpson as Chair and the three Committee Chairs all standing down. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Council ensuring the sector’s voice is heard. This period has seen intensive lobbying by YouthLink Scotland on behalf of our members and we think we have achieved a measure of change within government thinking. Hopefully this will mean a

greater recognition of the role we play in delivering national outcomes and perhaps some resource to help the transitions. We wish to see greater co-operation between ourselves and Education Scotland and again we have had several meetings to help push a common agenda forward in terms of Curriculum for Excellence, GIRFEC and Opportunities for All. We have agreed a partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and very soon a special ‘Employment’ Edition of the Link Magazine will be with you. We hope it will help clarify the role of SDS to youth workers and youth work managers. Another event related to these aspects was the College Learning Network event on the Senior Phase at which I spoke and which was organised by a joint group including YouthLink Scotland, Youth Scotland and Duke of Edinburgh Awards staff. This event was really well attended by college and CLD practitioners. The next months are going to be critical in determining the shape of our future relationship with government and its agencies. We hope the discussions will be fruitful around the youth strategy and the guidance for CLD and that the forthcoming statutory instrument will achieve its purpose. We look forward to working with newly appointed colleagues at Education Scotland and continuing our positive relationships with the Scottish Government’s Justice and Lifelong Learning team as well as with our sponsoring division at the Children and Families Directorate. Hope you enjoy the magazine and well done again to all our finalists and winners.

Jim Sweeney CEO, YouthLink Scotland

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS

The man they call ‘Mr Outcomes’ YouthLink Scotland interview Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Jim Rooney The first thing that strikes you about Jim Rooney is his warmth and of course the unmistakable twinkle in his eye. But behind his relaxed and unassuming manner is a man who many believe is responsible for changing how youth work in Scotland is viewed and recognised. Jim Rooney was Lead Inspector for Community Learning and Development in HMIE for five years. He has a wide experience in inspecting and reporting on CLD, learning communities, education authorities, secondary schools, special schools and learning in prisons. It’s never easy asking someone to extol their own virtues but why does he think he has been honoured?

“I think I’ve put a lot of energy and effort into the work over the years and I have taken a strategic approach to it. I believe I’m known as Mr Outcomes (laughs) and I’m sure it’s that kind of approach to ensuring that Scotland values the sector in the way it ought to because of the work it does. The work I’ve seen up and down Scotland as an inspector is often life changing.” What difference do you feel you have made? “Oh that’s a tough one. I think I’ve raised the bar a wee bit along with many others in terms of the rigour with which the sector understands and knows about the quality and impact of what it does.” So what challenges face the sector going forward? “Over the years I’ve been struck about how important partnership working is and how important it is for people to work together and work collaboratively.”

Jim Rooney “My last main contribution in terms of national reports was about learning communities in Scotland and the messages in there were about schools working more closely with CLD and in various ways, including working with voluntary sector organisations, the private sector and social enterprises. Now that’s a huge challenge but I’ve certainly seen it make progress in the last number of years and also seen progress in schools through CfE.”

From a bairn in the Brigade Susan MacKenzie, our other Lifetime Achievement Award Winner on growing up with the Girls’ Brigade My personal involvement with Girls’ Brigade started in 1959 when I joined the 2nd Inverness Company – then Girls’ Guildry – as a four year old. Gaining awards from a young age helped me develop in confidence and gave me a sense of achievement and as the organisation places a high value on service to others, it also helped me to see that I could make a difference to the lives of others. I became an officer in the 2nd Inverness Company in 1977 taking over as Captain of

the company in 1984, a position I continue to hold today. I served as Highland Divisional Commissioner, on a number of National Committees and as a National Vice President, Girls’ Brigade Scotland in 1999, serving in this post until 2005. As National President I was privileged to serve the organisation around Scotland as we looked at the challenges and changes which were required to ensure the organisation continued to be relevant to the girls of the 21st century. I also represented Girls’ Brigade Scotland at many and varied events. Being a leader in the Girls’ Brigade has given me the opportunity to encourage and help girls, with God’s help, to achieve their full potential as successful, confident and

Susan MacKenzie

responsible young ladies who are aware of the needs of others and how they can help. I hope and pray that the Girls’ Brigade will continue for many years to come as an organisation that will challenge girls to be the best they can be, in all aspects of life. Spring 2013| The Link | 3

TRIPLE AWARD WINNERS

Erskine Music and Media Studio

find a new youth work rhythm

Erskine Music and Media Studio Executive Committee

YouthLink Scotland looks at our triple award winners, a truly foot stompin’ example of innovation Mix together some head-bopping, toe-tapping, finger-clicking, with a dash of enthusiasm and out of control humming thrown in for good measure and what have you just cooked up? Erskine Music & Media Studio. A cash injection from a lottery grant by Erskine’s Youth Council in 2009 was just the 4 | Spring 2013 | The Link

opportunity this Community Interest Company (CIC) needed. The funds from this grant gave the project’s dreams some ammunition. The studio’s vision became reality when they transformed Renfrewshire Council’s Bargarran Community Library into a dynamic young people’s learning centre. Open seven days a week offering youth clubs, music, media and learning experiences including workshops in rehearsal and recording. There are courses in sound production, photography, dance, singing, guitar, bass and drums, all free of charge. And that’s not all they offer. In partnership with greater Glasgow Health

Board/Youth Health Team, they have produced a smoking cessation video which in true EMMS style, has been made for young people; by young people. On top of all of this, through successfully engaging 350+ young people a week, they pass on the facts about alcohol, mental and sexual health. Now that is putting an extra beat into youth work. After successful Local Area Committee and British Airports Association Grants, they were able to employ a devoted Project and Music Manager, Ali Whitty. This has pumped up the volume of the project significantly, increasing the amount and variation of activities on offer.

A lot of young people are actively choosing to take part in EMMS activities which is reflected in a drop in local crime statistics related to youth disorder since the project began. Their inclusive and diverse approach welcomes participants who would otherwise be socially excluded. This has certainly raised morale amongst young people in the area. The opinions of young people are highly regarded by the project. The Executive Committee (made up of the young people themselves) meets every week and with the encouragement and guidance of Ali, help to make decisions and input their own ideas. On top of music and media, this specific group of young people are gaining practical skills in management, business and finance through their experiences with helping to run the project. They are very much the focal point in their own learning.

It’s clear Ali Whitty is there to guide but it’s to the tune of the young people, he dances to: “People keep saying to me ‘It’s great the council provides this for young people.” And although the council provide us with free accommodation, it really is a project for young people run by young people. They meet every Monday religiously to make sure that things are operating smoothly, managing correspondence, keeping on top of finances as well as coming up with new ideas to expand the project. It’s a privilege to watch these young people develop in their executive and voluntary roles.” The studio has become an indispensible part of the community. In addition to running enthusiastic music sessions for local bands during the weekend, the studio has now introduced new beginner’s classes for P7 providing a helping hand with the transition to High School. Also, the monthly music event UPLOAD combined with their weekly jam

sessions have proved a successful way of bringing young people together in a safe environment allowing them to socialise and enjoy a shared interest. Chair of the Executive Committee and the National Youth Worker of the Year Overall Winner, Mark Waters, is rightly proud of their creation and hopes the project will continue to go from strength to strength: “It’s created something in our area for young people to go to because there is not much in our community and although some people still haven’t heard about us, we’re doing our best to get the message out there.” The future is bright for this rocking project. They have set the tone for the remainder of 2013 as they pick up the award for Innovative Practice – Team of the Year. Looking to the future, the project intends to keep that tempo up with no doubt more jamming and great opportunities for local young people.

Erskine Music and Media Studio Group Spring 2013| The Link | 5

INTERGENERATIONAL PRACTICE AWARD WINNERS

Debunking the mysteries of Intergenerational Practice Iain Forbes from Generations Working Together blasts the myths of IP For some reason whenever the words “Intergenerational Practice” (IP) are mentioned a lot of people automatically think of older people and the problems associated with ageing. It is a fact most of us are living longer and there is now a greater proportion of people in Scotland who are in their 60s, 70s, 80s or older. Our ageing population is frequently seen as a challenge. I bet that sounds familiar to a lot of our younger people who too often are seen as a problem in our society! So what is intergenerational practice in reality? In a nutshell it is turning the attitudes on their head and looking at the positive attributes that various age groups can bring to each other. In its simplest terms it is bringing different generations together to engage in mutually beneficial activities. By doing so in a structured way we will engender much more understanding and respect between generations which will lead to building more cohesive communities. Generations Working Together is funded by the Scottish Government to promote and encourage the benefits of intergenerational practice throughout Scotland and we are working at both national and local level to try to get the message across. Our recently produced Guidelines for Local Authorities will help local organisations and Local Authorities to help staff see how IP projects can help contribute to Single Outcome Agreements and the National Performance Framework. Our work with Education Scotland and the wider education community is designed to have aspects of IP embedded within the

Na Mo Chuid Aodaich (Isle of Lewis) 6 | Spring 2013 | The Link

Food Train Volunteers (Dumfries & Galloway)

Drummond Community High School S6 Project (Edinburgh)

Curriculum for Excellence both in places of formal education and youth clubs. In working with NHS Health Scotland we are seeking to use IP as a means of reducing social isolation of all age groups, encouraging healthier lifestyles and promoting active ageing. It’s amazing when you bring younger and older people together just how often they discover they have very similar problems of not being listened to, not having a voice and being isolated! By summer 2013 we will have at least 29 local networks the length and breadth of Scotland where projects and those interested in IP can come together to share learning. This brings me to why we sponsor the Intergenerational Youth Worker of the Year Award. The winning project Na Mo Chuid Aodaich (In My Clothes) is a fantastic example

of how younger and older people on the Isle of Lewis have come together in an innovative way to share experiences and learn from each other about clothes and the stories behind them. The two runners-up Food Train Volunteers (Dumfries and Galloway) and Drummond Community High School (Edinburgh) are two excellent examples of younger and older people engaging with each other to mutual benefit. Not only are they improving understanding they are reducing social isolation, fostering a community spirit and most of all having fun! For more information contact: Generations Working Together, 3rd Floor, Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow G1 1UZ. T: 0141 559 5024. W: www.generationsworkingtogether.org

PEER MENTORING AWARD WINNER

Young people doing it for themselves The Link Magazine takes a closer look at the work behind our double award winners from Dundee, Xplore Peer Mentoring It’s seems apt that the concept of peer mentoring should be flourishing in the City of Discovery. Xplore is just one of countless projects across Scotland encouraging young people to help each other through life’s challenges. This project in Dundee is a shining example of an award winning model. With many accolades picked up on their own journey of discovery, Xplore are now being sought out by other agencies keen to set up their own programmes. Peer mentoring is about young people supporting others of a similar age, to share experiences, to listen and empathise. Through this relationship, peer mentors provide support to others and serve as role models for their peers who benefit from the additional support. Challenges facing those being mentored include problems with schoolwork; social issues, such as pressure to drink or smoke; family problems or tension; and other difficulties in growing up. It is those societal blues that Xplore is trying to tackle. Carie Burns, Senior Youth Worker believes in comparison with more traditional group work their more centred one to one approach is of great benefit: “More and more referrals that Xplore get in are to do with mental health problems, drugs and family. The issues affecting young people have increased in terms of substance abuse by their parents and domestic violence is a real problem too. I know these things happened before but with the one to one work we do you find out a lot more about a young person’s personal circumstances.” The benefits: supporting those at risk of social exclusion, reducing the potential for offending behaviour and addressing negative peer pressure.

Peer education and peer mentoring are very different concepts as Carie Burns is very keen to point out: “Ours is a voluntary service, young people choose to engage with it. They are not forced to come here and that’s why they do engage because it’s not compulsory. It works differently because it’s a less formal setting than school, it’s not something that’s done to them or demanded of them, it’s their choice.” There are many positive factors to peer mentoring, some of them like an increase in self-esteem are difficult to record officially but others are irrefutable. Eighty percent of Xplore’s peer mentors go onto to college or work, young people who may not otherwise have done so. So there is a real antidote available to those societal blues, a real path of discovery for young people who feel they are not heard or understood. As project manager, Jimmy Dodds so eloquently put it: “I never thought that young people could be the solution to their own problems, but they can be and it works.”

Recycling and design come together!

Young people in Dundee really are doing it for themselves. For further information please visit http://www.xplore-dundee.com/

Carie Burns with some of Xplore’s peer mentors.

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FEATURE

FROM THE VICTORIAN MILLENNIUM – YOUT STOOD THE T Our awards this year featured an array of finalists from organisations both new and old. Here we feature three of our more traditional uniformed organisations who had finalists and examine how they have rung the changes over the years to stay relevant to the needs of young people in today’s challenging environment. When we look at the youth work sector in Scotland in 2013, it’s hard to imagine an era without countless acronyms, CfE, GIRFEC, CPD, CLD, SCQF to name a few but the core values and actions behind these have actually been in place for well over a hundred years. The Girls’ Brigade in Scotland celebrate their 120th birthday this year and theirs has been a path of constant development. Where needlework and housekeeping skills were once a focus now you will find girls exploring website development and anti-sectarianism projects or

enjoying white water rafting and judo! The principles of GIRFEC have applied to the Girls’ Brigade long before it became fashionable and long before we even had a youth work sector. The core values of these organisations have stood the test of time, through immense social change, two world wars and the battle for an equal society; values remain the same as ever but the ability to adapt is the key to their longevity. Programmes, uniforms and activities have all changed with the times. Girlguiding Scotland offers a host of adventures from their first Brownie sleepover, to zip-wiring, abseiling and International adventures in a safe girl-only space. They also host their very own girl-only pop concerts, Big Gig (UK wide) and Tartan Gig (Scotland). How times have changed since the rusty mug of lukewarm chocolate round a blowy campfire on a wet night. And it’s that ability to take a fresh approach and break new ground that keeps our uniformed youth workers at the forefront of working with young people and connecting with their needs. Girlguiding Scotland have recently introduced the new concept of Lone guiding which allows girls and young women anywhere, the chance to be part of an inclusive Guiding organisation, even if they can’t attend a weekly meeting. “Our key strengths remain our dedicated volunteers, our fun and varied programme, our Promise and ethos and our open and inclusive approach.” The Boys’ Brigade have been very successful with partnership working in conjunction with

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local and national government which has brought SQA accreditation and CLD endorsement for some of their national training courses. They have developed links with sporting agencies such as Badminton Scotland and Scottish Gymnastics. So what is the future for these organisations, are they in a healthy place or do they still need to adapt?

FEATURE

N ERA INTO THE NEW TH WORK WHICH HAS TEST OF TIME

One of the most obvious tests for all of them is a move towards a more diverse cultural and religious society as Caroline Goodfellow, National Director of the Girls’ Brigade explains: “As an organisation founded on Christian principles, where every company is attached to a church, a quote from Dr Vance Havner

sums it ‘Most religious movements begin with a man, then the movement becomes a machine, and finally it turns into a monument.’ That is not what we want for the Girls’ Brigade and we have to be fit for purpose if we are to survive and grow in the years ahead.” The Guiding movement has faced similar challenges, they have recently announced a consultation on the wording of the Promise to make sure it is culturally inclusive and everyone can be brought together with a common core expression of Guiding values. The rude health of these organisations is evident in the sheer numbers still wanting to take part. The Boys’ Brigade, for example, have recently reported significant increases in membership. This is a powerful indication of the relevance of these organisations and their ability to meet the needs of today’s young people. Like all established bodies there can be particular perceptions that people have, especially if you throw a uniform into the mix. Caroline Goodfellow of the Girls’ Brigade agrees that dusty image can be hard to shift:

“They do drill, are bible bashers and are square! That is probably an image that some folk

still hold about GB today. Thankfully, the only thing that could be called ‘square’ today is our four sided programme! Yes, some companies may do figure marching with their younger girls but usually to the latest hit from the charts and with various props!” Niall Rowland, Development Officer for the BB’s believes these organisation’s histories are a strength. “Any organisation or group which has long tradition would attract misperceptions. We are rightly proud of our Scottish heritage and founding. However, it is important the organisation is judged by the work of our young people and volunteers today.” There are many reasons these organisations continue to thrive. However, it is perhaps the focus on good-quality training, a structured progressive programme and also rewarding achievement which makes the biggest difference. So let’s raise a not so rusty tin mug to the continued contribution these stalwarts of youth work make to the young people of Scotland. Spring 2013| The Link | 9

NATIONAL YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARD – WINNERS

Youth Worker of the Year – Full-time or Full-time Equivalent) About this award: This award will go to a youth worker who has demonstrated consistent skill, knowledge and experience in the field of youth work on a full time basis. Their contribution to a specific locality (local or national) or theme should be evident and innovative. They will be respected by young people, peers, managers and partners for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment.

Carie Burns – Xplore Peer Mentoring (Dundee) Carie has been involved in Xplore’s Peer Mentoring project for over five years, and has been a youth worker for 15 years. What makes her stand out is her unswerving commitment and determination which has almost single handedly transformed Xplore into a nationally renowned and multi award winning project. Her dedication has supported many young people to overcome difficult barriers that can hinder their chances of a more positive life. Speaking on behalf of Xplore, Carie Burns said she was delighted the project had been recognised yet again: “This award means a lot to me because I love my job, I love working with the young people. I think the work Xplore does in Dundee is really important. The feedback we get from schools, social workers but more importantly from the parents is fabulous, they really support the work we are involved in.”

Sponsored by: Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were delighted to sponsor the Full Time Youth Worker of the Year Award this year as it outlines the importance the service places on the relationship they have with their partners in youth work. They believe in giving young people the opportunity to reach their full potential as responsible citizens and equal contributors to society.

Youth Worker of the Year (Sessional Paid/Part-time) About this award: This award recognises the commitment made by a youth worker who is employed on a sessional or part-time basis by either a local authority or voluntary youth work organisation. The recipient should have demonstrated commitment to the personal and social development of young people by creating imaginative learning opportunities for them to broaden their horizons. They should have embraced opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge, enabling them to continue to grow and develop to the benefit of the young people they work with.

Isobel Gray – High Life Highland/ Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Isobel has brought a dedicated and inspirational approach to her work for High Life Highland and through her role as a Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme Development Officer. She always goes the extra mile to ensure the young people involved have their additional support needs met and feel at home whilst participating. She has been at the forefront of ensuring that more young people have access to the Awards Scheme. Her expertise and enthusiasm makes her invaluable to the Highlands DofE team and her support goes well beyond the paid role she has. Isobel Gray said she was quite humbled to have won the award: “This award means a lot to me, it means an awful lot to us all. I think it is fantastic that all the young people we work with can share the recognition this award gives us. We have made a determined effort in Highland to ensure that any young person that wants to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme can do it. The recognition for this award should also go to all the volunteers, youth workers and other staff that makes the DofE award scheme happen in Highland.”

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Sponsored by: YouthLink Scotland YouthLink Scotland is the national agency for youth work. Its membership of over 120 organisations and individuals brings together all of the major national voluntary youth work organisations, local authorities as well as other national organisations. YouthLink Scotland champions the role and value of the youth work sector, challenging decision makers to invest in the development of youth work. These awards demonstrate the dedication youth workers have to improving the life chances of Scotland’s young people.

NATIONAL YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARD – WINNERS

Volunteer of the Year and Overall Winner About this award: This award recognises the overall commitment of the volunteer to the cause of improving young people’s personal and social development through youth work. The recipient will be someone who has given exceptional service to the organisation and its young people. They will be well respected by young people, fellow volunteers and their organisation. They can be someone involved at any level within the organisation but should have at some point worked face-to-face with young people and fellow volunteers within their organisation.

Mark Waters – Erskine Music & Media Studio/Erskine Youth Council (Renfrewshire) Mark Waters may only be 17, but he has already shown an unstinting commitment for helping others. He has been instrumental in creating a vibrant community of young people in his local area. The recording studio, media projects and jam sessions, along with the 40 hours of youth work the centre offers are all down to the dedication of this exceptional young man with a big heart. Mark seemed genuinely astounded to have been honoured not just as Scotland’s National Volunteer of the Year but with the coveted prize of YouthLink Scotland’s Overall Winner. “I still can’t believe it, I’m over the moon, I would never have expected to win this. I just do the project because I enjoy it and I never thought I’d get this for it. I would do it anyway, regardless.”

Transforming lives through learning

Sponsored by: Young Scot The positive impact of volunteers giving up their time to help young people is something we should never take for granted. They support young people to develop essential life skills, build their confidence, improve their skill set, and become a trusted source in a young person’s life, all of which, are vital contributors to ensuring young people reach a positive destination. Young Scot is proud to show our support for volunteers through sponsorship of this category.

Sponsored by: Education Scotland Education Scotland is once again delighted to sponsor the Overall Winner at this year’s National Youth Worker of the Year Awards. The Awards showcase the very best in innovative youth work practice. We are the national agency for lifelong learning and lead the implementation and support of Community Learning and Development (CLD) policy. The guidance provides a clear statement that CLD is to empower people, individually and collectively, to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities through learning.

Innovative Practice – Team of the Year About the award: This award recognises the work of a team which is developing dialogue, debate and conversation that encourages colleagues and partners to lead, think and act beyond boundaries. Creative, provocative, inspiring and motivating, the work could be in a variety of contexts and will be raising the professional standard.

Erskine Music & Media Studio Executive Committee (Renfrewshire) In partnership with young people, Erskine Music and Media Studio has transformed the Bargarran Community Library into a vibrant learning centre for young people. They are close to being self-sufficient in their delivery through partnership working and using great initiative and imaginative ideas. The centre offers; Youth Clubs, Recording Studio, Media Suite and IT Suite, Courses, and professional staff. The Studio’s nominator said he was “blown away” at how much these young people had managed to achieve in such a short time. Project Manager for the Studio, Ali Whitty summed up what makes Erskine Music and Media so special: “We have created a really exciting new community of musicians and creative minds alike. The new Executive Committee are rising to the challenge of keeping this project sustainable in the community for years to come. It’s not about creating the next big thing in music, it’s about giving young people confidence in an environment where they are learning all of the time. As well as having seasoned professionals for support and guidance, young people are encouraged to think for themselves and learn from each other.”

Sponsored by: CLD Standards Council for Scotland The CLD Standards Council for Scotland was proud to sponsor the Innovative Practice: Team of the Year Award because we recognise innovation is where things change and progress. We support innovative practice through our Ideas Academy which develops dialogue, debate and conversation that encourages us to lead, think and act beyond boundaries. If you want free thinking and creative action, then youth work is where that can be found. We believe celebrating these achievements is not only a good idea but should be at the core of recognising the achievements of our young people. Spring 2013| The Link | 11

NATIONAL YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARD – WINNERS

Youth Worker of the Year – Uniformed Organisations About the award: This award goes to an adult volunteer from one of the uniformed organisations in Scotland. They have demonstrated that their volunteering is of the highest standard and has made a real impact on the young people they have worked with. They have shown that they have used creative and innovative approaches to deliver opportunities for young people.

John Macdonald – Sea Cadet Corps (North Ayrshire) John has worked for 20 years as a youth worker and is Chief Petty Officer of the Ardrossan Sea Cadets Corps. Those who know him describe him as a remarkable man, passionate, caring and truly genuine. He has worked with young people from all backgrounds and is dedicated to making a real difference to the lives of those he works with. John gives up all his spare time in the interests of young people, encouraging them to take on new challenges and experiences so they can realise their full potential. John, it’s fair to say, was quite taken aback to have received this award: “Getting this award is really humbling. I do this job because I can see young people’s lives changing but this is a huge bonus and it’s great to have the recognition.We take a lot of pictures and it’s nice to see young people when they’re 10,18, or when they become adults and you are invited to their weddings. That’s a pat on the back as well, you think, we must have done something right and this award is recognition for what we’ve done. I never expected it, it’s totally out of the blue.”

Sponsored by: CVQO CVQO has been delivering internationally recognised City and Guilds and ILM qualifications to adult volunteers in uniformed youth organisations for the past ten years as a way of recognising the vital leadership role they play in developing young people and in contributing to the wider community. CVQO is committed to supporting the outstanding and selfless contribution of volunteers who ensure that these organisations make a real difference to the lives of so many young people.

Youth Worker of the Year (Intergenerational Work) About the award: This award goes to an individual or group whose work has consistently demonstrated that they have used creative and innovative approaches to bring young people and other generations together to share their skills/experience and to work to improve community cohesion in the area in which they live.

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Na Mo Chuid Aodaich (Isle of Lewis) Na Mo Chuid Aodaich (In My Clothes) is a Gaelic medium project for the community by the community. Its foundations are based on intergenerational working throughout Scotland. It is a fashion show which aims to bridge the gap between old and young. The older generation lend the clothes and impart their tales to the younger members who model the clothes and write the script. It has been hailed as innovative and imaginative and has captured the attention of all generations in each community. Project leader, Marisa MacDonald spoke of her delight in picking up yet another award: “We are totally overwhelmed by the whole thing. For us a Gaelic project being represented on a national stage and even being nominated is a great achievement but to actually win it, that is an even greater achievement. We have picked up a couple of awards before but when you win an award there is a value put on the work that you do, you can always use it and in the middle of a recession you need to use everything in your power to ensure projects continue to be funded.”

Sponsored by: Generations Working Together Generations Working Together is delighted once again to sponsor the Intergenerational Award. There are many successful projects in Scotland which help people of all ages better understand, inspire and encourage each other. This award recognises the often unsung work being carried out in communities across Scotland which benefit both younger and older generations and we offer our sincere congratulations to the winners and those on the short list.

NATIONAL YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARD – WINNERS

Peer Educator of the Year About the award: This award highlights the aims and principles of Valuing Young People. These were developed with the youth work sector and other partners to support young people to achieve their potential under Outcome 4 of the National Performance framework: Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. The winner of this award is a young person who demonstrates these qualities themselves and encourages their development in other young people.

Nicole Borthwick – Xplore Peer Mentoring (Dundee) Nicole is a young woman who has worked hard to overcome the difficulties she herself has faced in life. She has proved it is possible to turn negative experiences into more positive outcomes. Through the peer training course at Xplore, Nicole has dealt with difficult issues in her home life. She now has 500 hours of volunteering under her belt and helps run a drop-in for other young people. She also supports others with independent travel which is no mean feat considering six months ago her anxiety meant she was unable to get on a bus. Despite the many obstacles in her own life she puts these aside in order to support her peers. Winning the award means a great deal to Nicole: “I’m really happy, really proud, and it will help me with my confidence, I enjoy helping others and volunteering is really important to me. If it had not been for organisations like Xplore I would not have come so far.”

Sponsored by: Fast Forward and SPEN Fast Forward and the Scottish Peer Education Network are delighted to sponsor the Peer Educator of the Year category for YouthLink Scotland’s National Youth Worker of the Year Awards. We operate the Scottish Peer Education Network and are proud to support and promote over 200 peer education initiatives across the country. In this challenging climate, peer education provides a young person centered approach which delivers authentic information to peer groups, increasing knowledge, skills, attitudes, selfesteem and confidence, as well as an opportunity to work towards a range of awards and accreditation.

Role Model/Mentor of the Year About this award: This award highlights the implementa-tion of the Anti-Social Behaviour Review recommendation on countering negative stereotypes and promoting positive role models. It contributes to Outcome 9 of the National Performance Framework: We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger and Outcome 11: We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others. The winner of this award is someone who, through their personality, positive attitude or achievements inspires young people to raise their aspirations, believe in themselves and make the most of their lives.

Lisa Haggerty – YWCA Scotland Lisa grew up and still lives in Armadale where the Teen Parent Project is based, she has been involved in youth work for more than 16 years. From her own personal experience she understands the barriers young parents face in everyday life. Her warmth, humour and professional approach has made a measurable difference to some of the most hard to reach young people. The young parents involved in the project have shown great improvements in their self-esteem, mental wellbeing and parenting skills as a result of Lisa’s efforts. Her commitment embodies the values of active citizenship and she has inspired many young people. Speaking after her win, Lisa Haggerty, Role Model of the Year said she was lost for words: “I am speechless and for anyone who knows me, they’ll know I’m never speechless. It’s fantastic but it’s obviously a team effort. The women who come along to the groups every week, enthuse me and I enthuse them back and hopefully give them encouragement and belief in themselves.”

Sponsored by: Scottish Government The Scottish Government recognise youth work’s ability to deliver a wide range of activities and programmes that give young people choices and that support the Scottish Government’s focus on prevention and early intervention. Youth work is an important contributory factor in young people’s learning and development and employability prospects. Spring 2013 | The Link | 13

NATIONAL YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARD – WINNERS

Agencies & Partner Organisations Worker of the Year About this award: This award goes to a member of a partner agency or organisation who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to using youth work methods in their work with young people. The recipient could be drawn from a wide range of agencies and organisations including; health, community safety, regeneration, community planning, youth justice, employment services, education, housing or social enterprise.

Sarah Elliot – Barnardo’s East Ayrshire Families Service Over the last two years Sarah has dramatically turned around the youth work provision in North West Kilmarnock. She promotes a positive partnership working ethos amongst her workforce which results in great projects for young people. Her fundraising efforts have been instrumental in securing Big Lottery money which has meant more vital cash to support vital youth work provision. She is always willing to listen and learn from her peers while having the wisdom and the strength to take difficult decisions. It seems for Sarah this award came as a something of a surprise: “Shocked! It was an honour to be shortlisted but to win it overall is overwhelming. I would like to thank Kevin and his team for the continued support they have offered Barnardo’s East Ayrshire Families Service in the last couple of years.” “It’s the thing that gets me up in the morning, I think I’m so fortunate to have a job where I don’t have any bad feelings about going into work. It’s a true motivator to get to work and see the inspirational young people we engage with on a daily basis, it’s what makes the job worthwhile.”

Sponsored by: Scottish Community Safety Network Partnership working with agencies and partner organisations is essential to support the delivery of diversionary activities which encourage people, including young people, to become effective contributors to society and responsible citizens. SCSN values the role ‘Agencies and Partner Organisations’ engaged in youth work have in reducing individual risk from crime, disorder and danger, through early and preventative interventions, education and support programmes. We were pleased to sponsor the Agencies and Partner Organisations Worker of the Year Award.

Youth Work Manager of the Year About the award: This award goes to a manager within either a voluntary youth work organisation or local authority. They have a clear senior management role within the setting where they work and have demonstrated outstanding vision, leadership and partnership working. They have experience in recruiting, training and sustaining paid and voluntary staff. They have demonstrated their ability to effect and manage change and be involved in policy development.

Sally Pitches – Girlguiding Scotland Sally is the Executive Director of Girlguiding Scotland, the largest organisation in the country for girls and young women with 60,000 members. She manages the staff at Scottish Headquarters and oversees the training of paid staff and volunteers. With a prolific talent for fundraising, strategic vision and hands on experience as a volunteer herself, Sally understands how to manage successfully. Her knowledge, hard work and popularity make her an extremely valuable manager. Sally said she was overwhelmed to have even been a finalist: “I am completely astonished. We are a volunteer led organisation and to be honest while the staff play a valuable role, we do see ourselves as partners and supporters but not necessarily the leaders so it never occurred to me at all that a staff member would be nominated. When I found out I had been nominated, if I hadn’t been sitting on my chair, I would have fallen to the ground.” “I believe very passionately about the Girlguiding Scotland project both as a staff member and a volunteer myself but I never expected to be nominated far less have the honour of winning the award, I feel very emotional about it.”

LSIS The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is proud to once again sponsor the category of Youth Work Manager of the Year. Youth workers and the managers who lead them provide the space and encouragement to enable young people to develop their lives and the communities around them, for the better. The recognition of the skills and dedication of youth work managers cannot be underestimated for their impact on the workforce of tomorrow.

LIFETIME ACHIEVERS

Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by: SQA

TIONALAbout YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR the award: This award recognises the long-term commitment and outstanding AWARD – WINNERS achievement within the field of youth work. Both our lifetime achievers have been awarded an Honorary Life Fellowship and membership of YouthLink Scotland.

Jim Rooney, HMIE – Retired Jim Rooney has, and continues to have, a lifetime commitment to improving the chances of children, young people and their families across Scotland’s communities. From his early days as a worker with the Lothian Association of Youth Clubs to his influential role within HMIE, he has ensured a good, sound approach to youth work, across councils and the voluntary sector, is valued by decision makers at all levels. His work within HMIE for Community Learning and Development led and supported the sector to embrace a move towards evaluation. He is renowned for his knowledge and expertise but has kept in touch at the very grassroots of work with young people and still volunteers himself. His work has made a significant impact on how youth work is now recognised and respected in Scotland. This award reflects the contribution he has made, a contribution that will benefit youth workers and volunteers for years to come.

Susan MacKenzie – The Girls’ Brigade in Scotland As a Girls’ Brigade Officer, Susan has mentored the personal, social and spiritual development of over one thousand girls. She has had a role in every level of the organisation since joining as a girl over 50 years ago. Locally, she has been the power house behind the 2nd Inverness Company, encouraging girls to stay involved with the Brigade well into adulthood. She was National President for six years and spent all her spare time travelling to meetings across Scotland. Internationally, Susan was a leading member of the team which successfully bid to host the Fonomarae in Scotland. She has remained on local and national committees and is still dedicated to the development of the Brigade in the Highlands. She is a motivational and inspirational leader, encouraging girls to make the most of their potential through a wide range of activities they otherwise would not have experienced. The Girls’ Brigade who nominated Susan say this woman’s lifetime of dedication has quite literally changed lives.

Pastures new for Youth Scotland’s Carol Downie As she prepares to take up her new post as Chief Executive of the Gannochy Trust, the Link looks back at her contribution to youth work. Carol Downie’s work with Youth Scotland has spanned three decades. In the 1980’s she joined the organisation as a Youth Participation Worker and then in 1998 she arrived back to take the helm as Chief Executive. In her role, she has transformed the charity into a major player within the sector. Since being in post, Carol has grown the charity from an annual turnover of £274,000 to over £1,500,000. Carol has served on a variety of government committees and think tanks, she was the Chair of the National Voluntary Youth Work Organisations Scotland and a Board member of Young Scot, UK Youth and the Children’s Parliament. She has rightly been recognised for her influence and hard work in the sector, receiving an MBE in 2008. Although she is relishing the prospect of new challenges with the Gannochy Trust, Carol Downie said it was with great sadness she leaves Youth Scotland: “It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. There is never a good time to leave a post but Youth Scotland’s excellent staff team, track record of leveraging funding from a range of sources, record of evidence based practice and a growing reputation for strong partnership working means that Youth Scotland is in a strong position going forward.” YouthLink Scotland would like to wish Carol Downie every success in her new role.

Spring 2013 | The Link |15

NATIONAL YOUTH WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARD – RUNNERS UP

Youth Worker of the Year – Full-time or Full-time Equivalent Laura Dominici, @home Centre, Airdrie & Hayley Dunn, YMCA

Sponsored by: Strathclyde Fire and Rescue

Volunteer of the Year Dale Irvine, Friday Night Youth Club, Renfrewshire & Ryan Burrell, Clyde Valley High School

Youth Worker of the Year – Sessional Paid/Part-time Rachel Barr, Portobello High School & Isaac Wilkies, Renfrewshire Council Sponsored by: YouthLink Scotland

Innovative Practice – Team of the Year Stirling Council Youth Services & The Yard Adventure Centre

Sponsored by: LSIS

Sponsored by: Scottish Community Safety Network We want Scotland to be the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up and we value the significant role that youth work plays in enhancing young people’s life chances and wellbeing. Through youth work, young people throughout Scotland are accessing a wide range of activities that, as well as being fun and challenging, are helping to build skills in preparation for further learning, employment and adulthood. Youth work supports delivery across the National Outcomes and key policies such as Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC), Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and Opportunities for All. We recognise the importance of a strong national infrastructure that supports the programmes and services that youth work delivers. Our focus is on those services that contribute to improved outcomes, prevention and early intervention. This is as applicable to youth work as it is to the early years. All too often, the picture of today’s youth is a negative one, yet so many of our young people make positive contributions on a daily basis which are worth recognition. That’s why we were pleased to sponsor the Role Model/Mentor of the Year Award. To counter negative stereotypes and encourage positive role models. To recognise how young people can inspire their peers to raise their aspirations, believe in themselves and make the most of their lives. In all that we are doing to strengthen services for children and young people, we recognise and value those dedicated youth workers and volunteers who are helping our young people to be successful, confident, effective and responsible individuals. Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Children and Young People

Spring 2013 | The Link |17

NETWORKS UPDATE

Policy Forum The meeting held at YWCA Scotland on 7 February looked at Equalities and Human Rights. There were presentations from SCVO on the Equalities and Human Rights Framework (for voluntary sector), East Ayrshire Council on taking forward the Equalities Agenda and YWCA from their pilot, “Under Pressure Project” tackling abuse in young people’s relationships and the risks of sexual exploitation. The Policy Forum will hold its final themed meeting of the last 12 months on Youth Work and Sport. This will be held at the Spartans Community Football Academy on 11 April. There will be inputs from Sports Futures, sportscotland, sportscotland youth panel, the Games Legacy, Youth Scotland and Spartans themselves. We have also invited members of the Heath and Sport Committee. Having held the initial five themed meetings on Sustainable Job Opportunities for Young People, the Mental Health of Young People, Engagement of Young People in the Political Process, Equalities and Human Rights and finally Sport and Youth Work, the Policy Forum will review all the meetings so far. The intention is to look at outcomes and how we take things forward from here in each of these areas. Dates of future meetings: 13 June, 22 August & 14 November 2013.

Jim Rooney provided an outline of the Quality Standards Project currently being developed by Youth Scotland. This first stage of the Quality Standards Project aims to research and design a potential model to enable local voluntary youth groups to demonstrate a high standard of provision, activity and delivery for young people in communities across Scotland. The purpose of the session was to gather the thoughts and views of the Youth Work Managers Group in relation to this initial scoping particularly with a view to clarifying the need for such a development. Dates of future meetings: Friday 17 May, Friday 23 August and Thursday 28 November 2013 (Joint meeting with NVYWOS).

Youth Work and Schools Partnership The next meeting re-arranged for 23 April 2013 will be the last meeting of the Partnership. We will have a focus on engagement with young people involving discussion with MSYPs and senior school pupils. We will also be continuing our dialogue with CBI. The Partnership is currently in the process of producing a final report which will consider what has been achieved over the past five years developing the Curriculum for Excellence and what still needs to be done in terms of improving the relationship and effective working between youth work and schools.

Members Network At the meeting on 7 March 2013, members heard presentations from Phil Denning, HMIE, on the new CLD Inspection process and Laura Ferguson, Stonewall Scotland and Cara Spence, LGBT Youth Scotland on their Diversity and Inclusion approaches to homophobia. HMIE are moving to a self-improving system which is about self – evaluation rather than inspection. Importantly, and for the first time, they are now using the inspection model through the prism of CLD guidance. They are moving towards having themed programmes for inspections with areas for focussed attention. Laura spoke about the Education Champions programme working with local authorities looking at education equality and gaps in provision. A number of LAs have used the programme including Fife, West Lothian and Edinburgh. Cara spoke about their LGBT work in schools reducing homophobic bullying in four local authority areas: Glasgow, Dundee, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. This involved delivering lessons, CPD training for teachers, resources and support/referral for young people. There were 42 educational settings taking part, workshops/lessons took place in 32 schools with 346 participants taking part in training. Eight services received enhanced support or signed up to the LGBT charter. Dates of future meetings: 6 June, 5 September 2013.

CLDMS/YLS Local Authority Youth Work Managers Most recent meeting 8 February 2013 The Youth Work Managers gave an update on the potential impacts of efficiencies on service delivery and a discussion followed, it was agreed that managers would keep the group updated on the situation. 18 | Spring 2013| The Link

NVYWOS The next meeting on 18 April 2013 will be taking stock of the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund and its implications for our members. We will also be looking at the Quality Standards Project and the SROI – economic and social value of youth work. This will also be the final meeting for chair Carol Downie who will be leaving the sector to take up her new role as Chief Executive of the Gannochy Trust. Dates of future meetings: 20 June, 24 October and 28 November 2013 (Joint meeting with LA Youth Work Managers).

Communications and PR Network Sarah Paterson, former BBC reporter, joined us in January as our new Senior Press and Parliamentary Affairs officer. The next meeting of the Communications and PR Network will be 2 May 2013. It’s a chance for all to touch base again and see how we can work together and share best practice and new ideas for raising the profile of youth work in Scotland. If you would like to get in touch with Sarah for any reason, please email: spaterson@youthlinkscotland.org For further information on our networks please contact: Ian Hay, YouthLink Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ. T: 0131 313 2488. E: ihay@youthlinkscotland.org You are reminded that further information on the Networks, and minutes of all the different network meetings, can be found on YouthLink Scotland’s website: www.youthlinkscotland.org Networks page.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

Digitally Agile CLD Project YouthLink Scotland, Learning Link Scotland and the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) work in partnership to deliver the Digitally Agile Community Learning and Development (DACLD) Project. DACLD 2 has extended the up-skilling opportunity and platform to share new technologies practice to 200 delegates across Scotland’s Community Learning and Development sector including local authorities, voluntary organisations and interested individuals through a national stakeholders event, three regional learning seminars and a minimum of three action learning sets. The events will introduce participants to the findings of the Digitally Agile CLD project and provide a unique networking opportunity for participants to share their new technologies knowledge and practices, with input from leading education and technology activists. The DACLD Key Stakeholders Event took place at Our Dynamic Earth on 24 January 2013. Participants included CLD managers, IT professionals, leading CLD practitioners, planners and digital change-makers/ influencers. Delegates shared their comments and thoughts through themed and supported discussions covering:

• Barriers to new technologies use; • Digital exclusion; • Good/bad practice of new technologies within their work practice;

• Exploration of CLD ethical considerations in

Youth in Action Youth in Action attracts young people from all over the UK. All kinds of organisations and groups use the programme to give their work an international dimension. Youth groups (local authority and third sector), after-school clubs, scouts, arts and media groups, and other notfor-profit organisations have been involved. They are not only those working in youth and education: for example, organisations across the whole spectrum of voluntary or not-forprofit work can benefit from hosting EVS volunteers. The general objectives of Youth in Action 2013 are:

• To promote young people’s active citizenship in general and their European citizenship in particular. • To develop solidarity and promote tolerance among young people, in particular in order to reinforce social cohesion in the EU. • To foster mutual understanding between young people in different countries. • To contribute to improving the quality of support systems for youth activities and the capabilities of civil society organisations in the youth field. • To promote European cooperation in the youth field. Taking part in a Youth in Action project is something a young person will never forget. The projects themselves are as diverse as the groups which organise them: everything from circus skills to environmental protection, media training to work with disabled people, outdoor education to democratic citizenship. The range of activity is amazing and the experience is rewarding and inspiring for everyone involved.

‘There aren’t many opportunities... Young people don’t get involved because they are smoking and drinking, some are racist, some are just too shy... The project gave me an opportunity I wouldn’t have got otherwise because it was my first time out of the country, I got the chance to try new activities and meet new people. A chance to try a new language. I think the project crosses community divides because we met other young people who weren’t Protestants and we were able to get on together. But... at home in our town it’s hard to mix Catholics and Protestants. Our group began with a very low confidence... but the confidence grew.’ A young person involved in a YiA funded project. YouthLink Scotland provides targeted information and support to young people and youth professionals in Scotland about the European funding opportunities available through the Youth in Action Programme. If you would like to register for alerts relating to Youth in Action and training available give your name, address and email address to Marc Forrester who will respond to you as soon as possible to help you progress with your Youth in Action journey. E: mforrester@youthlinkscotland.org By providing this information you agree to be contacted by the YouthLink Scotland’s Youth in Action Team.

new technologies practice;

• Future scenario planning to assess the impact of new technologies on communities and the CLD sector’s response; • Exploration of new technology and social media guidance and policy for implementation within the CLD sector. Event participants had the opportunity to hear speakers from specialists’ within New Technology companies as well as a keynote input from Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning. If you would like to register for alerts and information relating to the DACLD Project; email your name, address and organisation to Marc Forrester who will respond to you as soon as possible: mforrester@youthlinkscotland.org By providing this information you agree to be contacted by the DACLD Project Team.

Digitally Agile CLD Event. January 2013 Spring 2013 | The Link |19

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

What are you doing to help tackle sectarianism? Could you be doing more? What is ‘action on sectarianism’?

What we hope to achieve?

YouthLink Scotland is setting up a new web portal www.actiononsectarianism.info on behalf of the Scottish Government to bring resources together in one place. The key message: ‘information that inspires action.’ It will act as a central hub designed to inspire work and action to combat sectarianism in Scotland at local and national levels. It will share the best resources, marketing and educational initiatives from across Scotland to effect long term and lasting change in sectarian behaviour. The portal will provide information and resources to the general public with three distinct audiences: Children; Young people and Adults, with a separate section for activists and practitioners in this field.

Information that inspires action

How can you get involved?

Why do this? “So often we think of sectarianism in Scotland as a ‘west coast’ problem hidden under the banner of football or religion but sectarian behaviour can be present anywhere in the country. This new portal is a great chance to share information about projects, events and resources that bring communities together. A Scotland free from sectarianism is the ultimate goal so I would urge all those working in this field, community activists, teachers and youth workers, to get involved.” Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive, YouthLink Scotland

What are others doing There are a number of communities and organisations across Scotland currently working together to tackle sectarianism, and the Scottish Government is funding a range of approaches with £9m investment over three years. In 2012 the Scottish Government set up an independent advisory group chaired by Dr Duncan Morrow, to inform policy on sectarianism. A number of YouthLink Scotland members have also been busy working in this area over the last few years and have piloted the ‘Beyond a Culture of Two Halves’ resource. Recently, the Boys’ Brigade, Clubs for Young People (Scotland), Girlguiding Scotland, the Girls’ Brigade in Scotland, the Scout Association, and Youth Scotland have been working together as part of the Stand Up to Sectarianism project. 20 | Spring 2013| The Link

Children, young people and adults are better informed about local educational provision, advice and guidance on sectarianism. The web portal gives practitioners and activists the opportunity to share the best of resources and current practice through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), leading to improved practice interventions. Practitioners and activists are better informed on the latest policy and practice developments relating to sectarianism, leading to more accurate information and advice for children, young people and adults.

What are you doing to help tackle sectarianism? Could you be doing more? We are reaching out across Scotland to find examples of projects, events, videos, music, session plans, cartoons, toolkits and/or any other resource that you think will inform and help others to take their own action on sectarianism, and would like to feature these on the web portal. For more info on how to get involved visit www.actiononsectarianism.info or contact Timothy Frew. T: 0131 313 2488. E: tfrew@youthlinkscotland.org

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

New! Registration Scheme for all CLD Practitioners launched Open now for all practitioners including volunteers True to the collaborative approach of the CLD Standards Council for Scotland, the new CLD registration scheme has been developed for the sector, by the sector. The scheme was formally launched on 27 March by Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Children and Young People. Ms Campbell described the launch as a ‘landmark event’ noting that “Registration with the professional body for the sector and the knowledge, stimulation and challenge that follows from that will help the CLD sector to find its shared ambitions and to speak loudly and clearly with one voice on the issues that matter to it and to the people of Scotland.” Shaped by the views and experiences of a wide range of CLD practitioners, the CLD registration scheme will continue the culture of

dialogue and debate, championing a shared sense of identity amongst practitioners, providing a national voice for the sector, and reaffirming the importance of CLD in Scotland. Become a member and you can:

• Engage in professional dialogue, nationally and locally

• Drive forward new developments in our sector

• Support and evolve peer-led learning

The Register is open to all CLD practitioners who demonstrate the values, principles, competences, Code of Ethics and commitment to CPD that underpin the sector, with two types of membership, based on qualifications and experience: Registered associate members and Registered members. A Scotland-wide promotional programme is starting now – but for more information immediately, please visit www.cldstandardscouncil.org.uk/Registration

opportunities

• Be involved in Standards Council events and activities

• Play a lead role in shaping the future of the Standards Council • Have a key influence on policy initiatives and responses

If you have any questions, please contact registration@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk or call the Standards Council team on 0141 282 5263.

NATIONAL PROGRAMMES

CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund A total of £500,000 was made available in 2012/13 as part of the Youth Work Fund for youth work organisations across Scotland with 179 groups receiving funding. Based on the information provided within the successful proposals we anticipate that 33,000 young people will directly benefit from this investment. Prior to this round of funding, £6,580,199 had been distributed between 2008 and 2012 to 1,004 separate organisations delivering diversionary youth work activity across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. 209,687 young people directly benefited from this investment. YouthLink Scotland is delighted to announce the launch of the latest round of the CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund 2013/14. The Youth Work Fund aims to build the

capacity of young people and the youth work organisations who work to support them. We welcome proposals for operating costs relating to the delivery of youth work activity programmes that add to or consolidate the excellent youth work already being undertaken throughout Scotland. The CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund aims to deliver the following outcomes:

• Increased participation in positive community based activity;

• Increased participation by difficult to engage and equalities groups;

• Increased opportunities to develop skills and interests;

• Greater confidence and self-esteem amongst young people;

• More young people have achieved accreditation for their learning;

• Young people have places to go where they feel safe and comfortable;

• Sustained involvement in structured prosocial activities;

• Reduced levels of crime and anti-social behaviour. Applications are invited from organisations within the youth work sector and/or those working with young people to support the delivery of FREE youth work activities which contribute to one or more of these outcomes. Further details and access to the online application form can be found at www.youthlinkscotland.org The closing date for all submissions is Friday 26 April 2013 Spring 2013 | The Link | 21

NATIONAL PROGRAMMES

National Youth Summit 2013 The hugely successful No Knives, Better Lives (NKBL) National Youth Summit 2013 was held in Glasgow’s Science Centre on 2 February. Around 100 young people from across 10 local authorities came together to reflect on how the issue of knife crime is being tackled in their local community and to have their say in shaping the future of the NKBL initiative. The action packed day, attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill MSP, included creative workshops, a graffiti mural, a video diary booth, professional rap artists, motivational inputs and a media workshop. Jordan McCafferty, 19, has been a member of the South Lanarkshire Youth Council for five years and attended the NKBL Summit. Jordan explains: “As a peer educator, I work with youth groups to educate them on the consequences of antisocial behaviour and knife carrying. We hear too many stories of young people being the cause of knife crime in society, but the reality is that the majority of us are actively involved in just the opposite kind of behaviour and are committed to making a change for the better. We make a huge contribution to our communities and it’s time that we were valued and recognised.” The No Knives, Better Lives initiative raises awareness of the consequences of carrying a knife and helps to shape positive attitudes by empowering young people, professionals and community members to work together to tackle knife crime. The initiative has helped to contribute to a 20% reduction in crimes of handling an offensive weapon on a national level since it launched in 2009. A report of the Summit will be published soon, visit our website www.noknivesbetterlives.com or get in touch at nkbl@youthlinkscotland.org No Knives, Better Lives is a Scottish Government initiative, delivered in partnership with YouthLink Scotland. The Summit was supported by partners including Fast Forward, Young Scot, Scottish Youth Parliament, Dare2Lead and Impact Arts. 22 | Spring 2013| The Link

NATIONAL PROGRAMMES

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL “It really has changed my life” More than 400 young people from across the country took part in YouthLink Scotland’s first national follow-up study of Activity Agreement leavers. Activity Agreement partnerships are working collaboratively and creatively in the delivery of Activity Agreements, to support some of the most vulnerable 16-19 year olds along skills pathways to the next stage. In 2012/13, 70% of leavers progressed onto further learning, training or employment from an Activity Agreement. The national follow-up study was undertaken to evaluate if Activity Agreements are preparing young people to sustain these destinations. The results show that 79% of the young people surveyed are sustaining their employment or participation in more formal learning or training. The survey highlights the key role of the Trusted Professional in this success; the value of work experience and the impact of personal development activities.

Delivered as part of ‘Opportunities for All’ an Activity Agreement is recognised as a positive and successful approach to offering a senior phase curriculum, post school, to those 16-19 year olds who would otherwise be unlikely to make a positive transition. Activity Agreements offer young people tailored packages of learning based on an assessment of an individual’s needs and interests, with personal support from a Trusted Professional. They are delivered through local authority based partnerships in all 32 local authority areas in Scotland.

The survey also demonstrates that Activity Agreements:

• Made a positive change in 93% of the young peoples’ lives. • Gave young people relevant work experiences that helped 81% make decisions about their future. • Linked young people to employment. • Re-engaged young people in learning – with 79% continuing to build on their skills after leaving. The full report is available to download at http://alturl.com/5htk5 Examples of developing practice and case studies from Activity Agreement partnerships across Scotland can also be found on the YouthLink Scotland’s website. For further information about Activity Agreements in Scotland, or to request a hard copy of the report, please contact smcintyre@youthlinkscotland.org

The inaugural meeting of the YouthBank Scotland National Forum took place in Centre 81 in Garelochhead on 23 and 24 March. This special event brought representatives from Scottish YouthBanks to create a representative platform for the projects leadership connecting local practice, knowledge and experience. The National Forum is made up of two young people selected or elected from each local YB. We will participate in skills exchanges and sharing of experience locally and nationally inspiring innovation and enterprise so that as young people we can look at established community issues and challenges and lead opportunities to overcome them. “When you are at YB meetings you learn things but when you are at a resi you live it!” Aiden The YBS National Forum will meet at least once per year at a residential to shape and inform the direction of the project while being the connection between their local area and YBS. Local YouthBank support staff and coordinators met during the National Forum meeting to discuss YouthBank from a workers perspective, taking the time to consider opportunities and challenge, finding creative solutions and inspiring each other with fresh ideas. The National Forum meeting was made possible due to funds secured through the Young Start Fund providing resources to employ a new part time Development Officer, Elise Methven. Elise embraced the opportunity to convene the new Forum as an opportunity to meet as many at the one time. Young Start Funding will support the YBS National Forum and Ambassadors programme for two years. For further information visit: www. youthbankscotland.org or contact Elise Methven. T: 0131 313 2488. E: emethven@youthlinkscotland.org

Spring 2013 | The Link | 23

YouthLink Scotland YouthLink Scotland is the national agency for youth work. It’s membership of over 120 organisations and individuals brings together all of the major national voluntary youth work organisations, all 32 local authorities, large youth projects that are both area and regional in nature, as well as many other national organisations with an interest in youth work and young people.

These networks include:

YouthLink Scotland’s vision is of a youth work sector that offers sustainable, dynamic and accessible youth work opportunities that supports young people to become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

YouthLink Scotland champions the role and value of the youth work sector, challenging government at all levels to invest in the development of youth work. It seeks to positively influence policy development on issues affecting young people and youth work by responding to Government legislation on a wide range of issues. It progresses policy development by briefing MSPs, civil servants, local government and other decision makers on issues affecting young people and those who work with them.

• • • • • •

The many networks co-ordinated and supported by YouthLink Scotland ensure that it remains close to the front line of youth work and that its work and voice is driven by the real needs of the whole sector.

ARC Printing Ltd Units 7 & 8 Polbeth Industrial Estate West Calder West Lothian EH55 8TJ T: 01506 870044 M: 07733 885643 E: hksc@btinternet.com

Members’ Network Policy Forum National Voluntary Youth Work Organisations Scotland Network Local Authority Youth Work Managers Group Youth Work and Schools Partnership – CfE Communications and PR Network

mcl Media Control (Europe) Ltd Unit 1, The Clocktower South Gyle Crescent 2 Flassches Yard Edinburgh EH12 9LB T: 0131 314 0650 E: edinburgh@mcl-av.com

Chris Robson Photography 2F2 4 High Riggs Edinburgh EH3 9BX T: 0131 229 0297 M: 07908 624021 W: www.chrisrobsonphotography.co.uk

YouthLink Scotland’s editor of THE Link is very keen to receive your comments, ideas and suggestions on the magazine. For further information contact: Julie Wilson, YouthLink Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5EZ. T: 0131 313 2488. E: info@youthlinkscotland.org W: www.youthlinkscotland.org YouthLink Scotland is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in Scotland No: 164547. Charity Ref: SCO03923