Speaking at the National Youth Work Conference in Glasgow, Education Minister, Ben Macpherson
announced that Youth Scotland will receive new Scottish Government funding to support grassroots youth work to secure safe spaces for young people, helping them overcome barriers to learning and develop skills.
Mr Macpherson said:
“We want to see further investment in projects and initiatives supporting young people from communities impacted by criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, to help them take a different pathway and develop positive skills they need for learning, life and work.
“I have seen the demonstrable difference that youth workers can make in helping to divert young people away from negative paths, and instead towards positive behaviours and destinations. Youth work can prevent violence and anti-social behaviour before it starts, by offering trusted relationships, safe environments, and positive role models, and often reducing risky harmful behaviours from escalating.
“Youth workers support young people to build confidence and resilience, and develop skills to navigate challenges, reach their full potential, and positively contribute to their communities.”
Youth Scotland is delighted to be delivering a £100,000 investment into local youth work programmes, targeted at delivering safe, quality spaces for young people where they can build confidence, develop skills and access meaningful support.
Mike Strang, Chief Executive of Youth Scotland, said:
“This announcement is fantastic news for Scotland’s young people and for the youth work sector. At Youth Scotland we believe that every young person deserves access to a safe, welcoming space where they can be themselves, explore, learn and connect.
“This investment means our grassroots network of youth clubs are supported to reach young people where they’re at and strengthens the trusted relationships that make all the difference. It’s a vote of confidence in the value of youth work, in the local organisations who deliver it, and in the young people themselves.
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For editors:
About Youth Scotland:
We are the largest national youth work organisation in Scotland, supporting 113,100 young people, 2,400 youth groups and over 11,700 youth workers. Youth Scotland has been around since the early 20th century and has a diverse membership network – from small rural youth groups to large urban projects. The common goal that we all share is better outcomes for young people.
Our membership network is made up of local youth groups of all sizes, Area Associations and Youth Scotland staff who can provide support and training on a range of youth work topics. We are proud of the varied, universal youth work our network delivers and the innovative solutions our members create in an ever-changing youth work landscape.
Media contact:
Youth Scotland
Kevin Turner
Communications Manager, Youth Scotland
kevin.turner@youthscotland.org.uk