The project is funded until 2011 by the Scottish Government Equalities Unit (Race, Religion and Refugee Integration Programme). The project aims to involve young people in democratic processes and promoting ‘informed participation’ in local civic structures. Working in partnership with agencies and using Local Investigation Team model, groups of young volunteers will be supported to plan and deliver a research project on a topic of their choice in relation to service provision in their area. Each team will be made up of ten young people, who will be trained in action-based research and consultation techniques. A member of the Young Scot team will work with the local worker to support the young people to visit their local areas and gather views and opinions from other young people and community members. The group will draw their findings together and make their own set of conclusions and recommendations to share with key policy decision makers such as community planning partnerships. We hope the project will help to sensitise local services and help us tailor the Young Scot services in this area. Young Scot recognises that there has been exemplary work done in the field of youth participation and engagement by Dialogue Youth and we hope this project will build long-term relationships with local partners, who will play an integral role in this project. For more information, contact Access all Areas Development Officer, Emma Laverie at emmal@youngscot.org or call 0131 313 2488. |