1

Taking

Action!

Youth

Leading

the Way!

Making a Difference!

Making

Things

happen!

Improving

the

community!

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CONTENTS of MONTHLY BULLETIN Pg. No:

MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH PLATFORM - MYP 2

Monthly General Meeting update

Monthly Executive Meeting update

MYP Summer Beach Trip

MYP win film category of the Get the picture!

LOCAL AREA YOUTH FORUMS 5

Dalkeith Youth Forum - DYF

Newbattle Youth Forum - NYF

Penicuik Youth Forum - PYF

Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF

LYF‟s Family Fun Mela and Music Event

SECONDARY SCHOOLS REPRESENTATION 7

Autumn Term Plan for Midlothian

SPECIFIC INTEREST GROUPS 8

Kids In Care Krew - KICK

Gypsy Traveller Action Group – GTAG

MIDLOTHIAN MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT 10

MSYP Gina Clark MSYP

MIDLOTHIAN YOUNG CASH BACK FOR COMMUNITIES ASSESSORS 10

MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH LEGACY AMBASSADORS 11

MIDLOTHIAN PEOPLE‟S EQUALITY GROUP 11

MYP YOUTH PARTICIPATION RESOURCES 11

MIDLOTHAN YOUNGSCOT SUMMER ACADEMY & AWARD CEREMONY 12

NEW YOUNG SCOT SITE 13

YOUNGSCOT WOW 13

YOUTH PARTICIPATION FUNDING UPDATE 13

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: clare.taylor-brown@midlothian.gov.uk

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MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH PLATFORM:

MYP Monthly Meeting MYP held their monthly meeting on the 11th August 2011 at the Dalkeith Arts Centre with 11

young people attending. Guests Steve Clark and Lesley Connell from Midlothian Council

Housing informed the group of their desire to set up a project to engage with young

people who would like to explore housing issues from various perspectives. Representative

groups and SYP updates were highlighted including opportunities and events. The main

focus of the meeting focused on a participatory evaluation of MYP.

6 members of MYP including 3 friends volunteered to make the LYF Family Fun day and

Music Event a success on the 12th August at Lasswade Community High School, doing face

painting, the tuck shop, beat the goalie and the entrance/register and information stall.

MYP Executive Meeting MYP held their executive meeting at Newbattle Community Centre on Thursday the 25th of

August. 6 young people attended and guest Marc Forrester, National Development

Officer from YouthLink Scotland came to discuss the MYP cash back application to

develop a Youth bank In Midlothian. Other funding applications were discussed including

recent and upcoming events/opportunities and recognition of informal learning and

accreditation. Members also devised a letter with concerns around reduction of staff input

and fears concerning maternity leave. 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: clare.taylor-brown@midlothian.gov.uk

Midlothian Youth Platform

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

MYP Summer Beach Trip On Wednesday, the 3rd August, 8 members came to the summer social beach trip to

Portobello. Emma Mason said of the event “It‟s been great to see everyone. It was a

lovely day; we had great fun and enjoyed the sunshine and the ice cream.”

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Midlothian Youth Platform win film category of the Get the picture! An

innovative media competition at the Scottish Parliament‟s Young

People‟s Day

Sophie Pitts and Ryan Sturrock, members of MYP at their information stall with Scottish

Parliament Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick.

Members of Midlothian Youth Platform Sophie Pitts and Ryan Sturrock and Midlothian MSYP

Gina Clark attended the Scottish Parliament‟s Young People‟s Day on 20th August as part

of its annual Festival of Politics.

More than 150 young people from across Scotland took part in „Get the Picture!‟ – a day of

hard-hitting political debate on issues affecting the under 25s. The highlight was a debate

chaired by the Big Brother Celebrity Hijack winner John Loughton in Holyrood‟s main

chamber. Earlier in the day groups took part in workshops run by STV, Conzo Studios,

PhotoVoice, Scottish Cartoon Art Studio, Peer Education Network and the Scottish Youth

Parliament, co-faciliated by Midlothian MSYP Gina Clark..

A key focus of the day‟s events was an innovative media competition called Get the

Picture! open to each of the groups to report on a local issue or story important to them.

Entries were judged by an expert panel comprised of: Scotland‟s Commissioner for Children

and Young People, Tam Baillie, STV‟s Alastair Tibbitt, Carnegie UK Trust Special Projects

Officer, Anne Marte Bergseng and Scottish Parliament‟s Head of Communications and

Research, Michelle Hegarty. The judges were looking for how newsworthy the reports

were. Submitting their film – Antisocial behavior: What‟s the big deal? MYP won the

category for best film and will receive a year‟s subscription to journalism magazine Press

Gazette and their success will be published on the Scottish Parliament‟s official website.

Councillor Peter Boyes, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities, said:

“Congratulations to Midlothian Youth Platform on winning this award. It is really

encouraging to see our young people play such an active role in highlighting the problem

of anti-social behaviour. The members of Midlothian Youth Platform put a lot of effort into

creating this award-winning documentary, and it is great to see their efforts recognised.”

Midlothian Youth Platform members Sophie Pitts and Ryan Sturrock

and Midlothian MSYP Gina Clark with the other winning groups

Inverclyde Youth Forum and Highland Children‟s Forum - Rebecca

Nicolson & Graeme Colgan.

To see the Antisocial Behaviour Film: What‟s the Big Deal! visit:

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

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LOCAL AREA YOUTH FORUMS: Newbattle Youth Forum NYF: 6 members of NYF met on the 30th August at Newbattle Community Learning Centre. The

group said „bon voyage‟ to one of their workers, Claire Gibson, who recently graduated in

community education and is travelling abroad to Australia. In addition to this the group

decided to organise a fundraising event and after discussion, they decided upon a ceiligh

for families. Two members Emma and Rachel Cassells attended all the 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: nicola.grant@midlothian.gov.uk

Penicuik Youth Forum PYF: 5 members of PYF met on the 29th August at Penicuik High School. In attendance was

Annette Lang - Senior Regeneration Officer with Midlothian Council. After discussion, the

group agreed which actions the youth forum would lead on as part of neighbourhood

planning. Other matters discussed were the update on the proposed merger of the two

school campuses not going ahead and a cashback for communities application and a

funding application for the dragon‟s den. If you would like to find out more about Penicuik Youth Forum, contact: Bruce Fraser on 01968

6644108 or email: bruce.fraser@midlothian.gov.uk

Dalkeith Youth Forum DYF: 3 DYF members met on the 8th August at the MARC building in Woodburn. They discussed

publicity and promotion of the youth forum, lookingat their new information leaflet. At their

next meeting they will explore various options to recruit new members to represent young

people in the local community. If you would like to find out more about Dalkeith Youth Forum, contact: Gary Fraser on 0131 271 3496

or email: gary.fraser@midlothian.gov.uk

Lasswade Youth Forum LYF: 3 members of LYF met on the 8th August at Lasswade High School. The group concentrated

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

12th August at Lasswade High School. Publicity and promotion of the event was a key item

on the agenda. In addition to advertisements on Black Diamond FM and Forth 1, the

advertiser, members distributed leaflets through local residents/doors on the 8th and

Wednesday the 10th of August.

The Family Fun mela and Music Event – 12th August

The event organized by LYF was attended by 96 local people, primarily children with their

parents. The event started at 1pm and finished at 6pm. Throughout the day, numerous

interactive activities were available such as: Face painting, Beat the Goalie, Arts and

Crafts – create your own funky bracelet, African Drumming, Hair braiding:

Beat the Goalie Create Your own face painting & hair braiding

Funky Bracelets

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Didgeridoo Workshops

African Drumming ·

A range of local youth bands and singers also performed at the event, such as: Carter Damm, Becca

Miller, the All new hifi copmbo. Qie Duietly, Jessica Addy and Duncan McQueen

Information stalls on local services and a tuck shop was also available. Derek Milligan,

Leader of Midlothian Council came along to the event and stated “It was nice to see the

kids all painted up and enjoying the different stalls. I was particularly impressed with the

amount of talented youngsters some from established bands as well as some randoms

coming together for a jamming session thoroughly enjoyed listening to them.”

The group raised over £350.00 which they will use to promote youth opportunities in the

local area.

If you would like to find out more about Lasswade Youth Forum, contact: Clare Taylor-Brown on 0131

271 3714 or email: clare.taylor-brown@midlothian.gov.uk

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LOCAL AREA YOUTH FORUMS: 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

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

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candidates can promote themselves/answer questions from peers/put

posters up/etc.

Successful candidates are informed through GLOW on the 26th September

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

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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 August the KICK group met on 2 occasions. On the 10th August 7 members of the group

met at Dalkeith Arts centre to discuss issues around commitment to the group and

planning for the next few sessions. The group also discussed the remaining funds and how

to spend them

On the 18th August 7 KICK members met at Newbattle Community Learning Centre and

discussed child protection case conferences, examining various forms used by other local;

authorities and then split in top 2 groups to devise new forms for Midlothian‟s young people

to use for child protection case conferences.

The NEW „Having Your Say forms‟

Recently the group developed 2 new forms in place of the previous Having Your Say form:

one for under 12years; and one for over 12years.

These forms are now being used and so far feedback has been positive with one young

person reporting that they really enjopyed completing the form for his Looked After and

Accommodated Review meeting.

Participation in the SCSWIS-Focus Groups

On Thursday the 25th August, 5 members of the group met with Rosie Lawrence and 2 lay

inspectors at Dalkeith Arts centre to share their experiences of being looked after and

accommodated by Midlothian council. Those that attended represented young people in

residential care, foster care and care leavers.

Kick members participated and contributed positively in the session and enjoyed the focus

group experience.

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: clare.taylor-brown@midlothian.gov.uk

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MIDLOTHIAN MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT MSYP Gina Clark and the New Scottish Youth Parliament Campaign

Gina delivered a session on creative campaigning at the Festival of Politics Event on the

20th of August. This event included 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 was a marketplace

where young people mingled and found out more about each other‟s groups.

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: gina.clark.msyp@sypmail.org.uk

Gina has been active in attending Penicuik neighbourhood development plan action

planning events and a report with regards young people and youth issues will be available

soon for distribution.

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

matters week commencing the 8th August 2010.

Gina along with fellow Penicuik Youth Forum member Sophie Pitts and Midlothian Youth

Legacy Ambassador Ryan Sturrock attended the official switching on of the lights at

Penicuik Skate Park on Friday the 19th August.

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.

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 will be scoring applications in September. To find out more about cashback for communities, visit: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback

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

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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.

To find out more about Youth

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

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 has been involved in participatory rapid

appraisals, which is a way of doing research which enables people to quickly and easily

express their point of view.

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

Midlothian Council. Email: Margaret.Petrie@midlothian.gov.uk, 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:

http://www.youngscot.org/features/?ss=1938&s=17&sr=768

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

Karen Watson organized a

meeting with Young Scot to

look at ways of promoting

and funding basketball in

Midlothian on the 25th

August.

Ryan Sturrock attended the

official ceremony

celebrating the lights at the

skate park in

Penicuik.

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Young Scot Summer Training Academy

On the second of August 12 young people from the local authority area participated in the

third and final session “Media Savvy” of the Midlothian Young Scot Summer Academy. The

Summer Academy is a partnership project between Midlothian Community Learning &

Development section and Young Scot.

Media Savvy

The Media is part of our everyday life. Newspapers, TV, radio and the internet are all part of

the mix, providing an enormous amount of information and opinion. Whether you want to

better understand how the media works, how you can influence it, learn media skills or

have an amazing project you think everyone should know about, this is the course for you.

This course uses real life example and shares tips and experience to give young people an

essential grounding in influencing the media in their lives.

Ten young people attended the media savvy session.

Participants Feedback:

What did you learn today?

What media means

I need to talk louder

I learnt a lot today

How to film

I learned a lot of new skills to do with media

Interviewing

What did you enjoy today?

EVERYTHING

Filming

Mostly everything

Winning

Doing the interview

I enjoyed the filming + Winning

What are you going to take away with you?

Sweet Wrapper

Present

Skills I learnt

The stuff I learnt

I‟m more interested in media

The stuff I learnt and a present

All the information

I‟m going to use all the skills I have learnt to do more filming stuff

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Award Ceremony: An evening celebration of achievement took place on Monday evening the 29th August

2011, from 6.30-7.30pm at the Dance studio in the Kabin, Loanhead. This event was for

both participants and their families to recognise the skills gained throughout the Young Scot

Summer Academy training.

Donald Mackay – Director of Education & Children‟s Services presented the certificates to

participants and stated “It was great to present these certificates to this talented group of

young people who have been honing their skills and are now able to utilise a variety of

different media approached such as video and podcasting, etc. to express themselves and

their views.”

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-

brown@midlothian.gov.uk

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 clare.taylor-brown@midlothian.gov.uk.

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

YOUTH PARTICIPATION FUNDING UPDATE Received: Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF raised £350.00 at the Family Fun Mela and Music Event.

Partially completed Applications:

1. Cashback for Communities to establish a Midlothian YouthBank and

2. Cashback for Communities to facilitate a youth participation and representation

residential

End of funded project Evaluations:

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

report has been completed and accepted by the Community Safety Fund.

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!