The Highland event attracted 34 young people, aged 13 – 18, from 4 Youth Highland member youth clubs based in Sutherland and Easter Ross. Their input will be used to develop a tool to communicate to policymakers and stakeholders the resources they need to thrive socially and culturally and to determine how to better accommodate youth voices in decisions around social and cultural infrastructure.

There were opportunities to socialise and some fun activities as they used a specifically designed card deck, developed by LDT in partnership with young people, to engage and to encourage them to reflect on what is important to them in their area, what kind of spaces or services they would like to see more of; and what in their area helps them to connect with others and progress towards their goals.

Kat Stansfield from the London Development Trust, who facilitated the session, said: “It was really fantastic to get such a good turnout and meet all the young people.”

Sarah Morrison from Brora Development Trust added: “It was absolutely fantastic to be part of the event and we were delighted to be able to provide a venue.”

While Claire from the Golspie Youth Action Project reflected on the benefits of meeting with their peers from other youth groups: “it was also nice for us youth workers to meet and have a chat.”

To bring such a large group of young people together was no mean feat. The rich conversations and learning at a national level will not only shine a light on the disparity between cities and rural communities, but it is evidence of the fantastic work and engagement with young people and between third-sector youth groups that individual groups and the Voluntary Youth Network (VYN) can use to leverage the value of third sector youth work in Highland.

Youth Highland supports a network of voluntary organisations and groups to help young people to bring about positive change in their lives and communities using youth work. The event was funded by the British Academy and celebrated youth voices as part of a nationwide research project visiting Scotland, England and Wales.

Youth work can empower young people to lead in the positive change that the world needs. The event has enabled young people in Sutherland and Easter Ross to consider how they as individuals and their youth group can actively make a difference to the lives of other young people and their local communities through peer support and education.

Having supported facilitation of the event in Highland, Youth Highland would welcome the opportunity to work with other groups of young people across the Highland region to ensure their voices are heard and taken seriously in local and regional planning processes.

If you are interested in getting involved with youth work in your area, please contact Youth Highland at 01349 865186.

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