This bulletin provides updates on various youth participation activities in Midlothian: - The Midlothian Youth Platform won a film award at the Scottish Parliament for their documentary on antisocial behavior. - Local youth forums in Newbattle, Penicuik, Dalkeith, and Lasswade met to plan fundraising events and discuss issues in their communities. - A new process was proposed for electing secondary school representatives to the Midlothian Youth Platform to improve recruitment and involvement. - Specific interest groups like the Gypsy Traveller Action Group and Kids in Care Krew met to work on advocacy projects and participate in focus groups.

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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!