Big Ideas proved it isn’t just a weekend thing on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 of August. Over 180 young people and youth workers returned to the inspiring University of Stirling campus to be inspired, learn new things, challenge themselves and to forge new friendships.
Of special note was the Event Challenge – a youth-led series of mind-boggling puzzles, games and tasks that required quick thinking and solid teamwork!
Big Ideas is Youth Scotland’s flagship annual event for young people and youth workers, designed to bring them together but also to enjoy workshop programmes tailored to each. It’s all about engaging, inspiring and empowering young people and youth workers to take the lead in their local communities.
As a residential event, delegates get to enjoy a stay in the heart of Scotland while learning new skills, networking and sharing ideas to celebrate the impact of youth work. The event features a fantastic choice of over 20 workshops to empower action through new ideas, tools and resources.
This year we were fortunate enough to enjoy a visit from the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, Mr Graeme Dey MSP. Mr Dey’s portfolio includes the Young Person’s Guarantee, Developing the Young Workforce, apprenticeships, youth employment, CLD and youth work, so he was particularly interested in the event and Youth Scotland’s work, spending the whole of Tuesday morning with delegates.
One of our goals at Big Ideas is bring something from each of our Pillars to the party: groups came from across Scotland to meet others from our membership; young people and projects supported by our programmes attended; workshops included examples of our training offer; and all delegates were able to achieve a Hi5 Award from our suite of youth awards
With another Big Ideas over, we’d like to take the opportunity to say a huge thanks to all young people and youth workers who made the event so special! Thank you to the funders who offered great advice to groups applying: The Robertson Trust, Foundation Scotland, The National Lottery Community Fund, Creative Scotland and SCVO. Thank you to the Scottish Government and CashBack for Communities for their continued support, without which, Big Ideas wouldn’t be possible.
Even as they left, delegates told us they’d see us in 2024 – but if you want one last look back at how it happened, take a look at these moments on social media:
It’s great to be back – we wouldn’t miss it to be honest. It’s such a great two days and it includes so much for the young people and for us... we’ll definitely be back next year!
Kevin, Dundee Young Carers