Youth Participation Bulletin - July 2011

Youth Participation in Midlothian Monthly Bulletin – July 2011
Taking
Action!
Having
a Voice!
Youth
Leading
the Way!
Making a
Difference!
Making
Things
happen!
Working
with
Others!
Improving
the
community!

CONTENTS of MONTHLY BULLETIN Pg. No:
MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH PLATFORM - MYP 1
Monthly General Meeting update
Monthly Executive Meeting update
MYP Antisocial Behaviour Film crew social Event
LOCAL AREA YOUTH FORUMS 2
Dalkeith Youth Forum - DYF
Newbattle Youth Forum - NYF
Penicuik Youth Forum - PYF
Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF
SECONDARY SCHOOLS REPRESENTATION 3
Autumn Term Plan for Midlothian
SPECIFIC INTEREST GROUPS 5
Kids In Care Krew - KICK
Gypsy Traveller Action Group – GTAG
MIDLOTHIAN MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT 6
MSYP Gina Clark MSYP
MIDLOTHIAN YOUNG CASH BACK FOR COMMUNITIES ASSESSORS 7
MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH LEGACY AMBASSADORS 7
MIDLOTHIAN PEOPLE‟S EQUALITY GROUP 8
MYP YOUTH PARTICIPATION RESOURCES 8
MIDLOTHAN YOUNGSCOT SUMMER ACADEMY 8
YOUNGSCOT MIDLOTHIAN HOMEPAGE STATISTICS 11
NEW YOUNG SCOT SITE 12
YOUNGSCOT WOW 12
YOUTH PARTICIPATION FUNDING UPDATE 12
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

1
MIDLOTHIAN YOUTH PLATFORM:
MYP Monthly Meeting
MYP held their monthly meeting on the 14th July 2011 at the Dalkeith Arts Centre with 9
members attending. Guest Rebecca Squirrell – Planning manager Children & families
informed the group about the new plan and key priorities and the opportunities for
members of MYP to influence and participate on the partnership board. Other options to
be involved were discussed and the group decided to discuss these further at the
Executive meeting and then respond to Rebecca.
Guest PC Allan McLean from the Safer Communities Team also attended the meeting to
discuss the „no knives safer lives‟ initiative. From this a very interactive discussion took place
around knife carrying in Midlothian and different approaches to get the „no knives safer
lives‟ message across.
Representative groups and SYP updates were highlighted. Other items on the agenda
discussed were Youth Achievement awards for KICK and the previous members of PEST,
promotional materials, upcoming events and fundraising. MYP also organised a summer
social and an event for the Anti-social behaviour Film Crew in recognition of their
dedication and hard work throughout the summer 2010.
MYP Executive Meeting
MYP held their executive meeting at Newbattle Community Centre on Thursday the 4th of
August. 5 young people attended and current membership, decision making in Midlothian
council, concerns regarding the new role of the CLD –youth participation worker and
funding.
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 Antisocial behaviour film crew Social Event
On Monday evening, the 25th July, 8 members involved in the creation of the “Antisocial
Behaviour Film: What‟s the Big Deal!” went bowling at World of Football to celebrate all
their dedication and commitment over the summer period 2010.
Maxine McIntyre said of the event “It‟s been great to have the opportunity to have some
fun with the group after working so hard together to make the film and resource pack such
a success.” To see the Antisocial Behaviour Film: What‟s the Big Deal! visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJKq80G7_KE

2
LOCAL AREA YOUTH FORUMS:
Newbattle Youth Forum NYF:
6 members of NYF met on the 4th July at Newbattle Community Learning Centre. Two
guests attended: Clare Taylor-Brown and Paul Johnston both CLD staff. Paul informed the
group about the opportunity to get involved in both the Newtongrange and Mayfield &
Easthouses Neighbourhood planning meetings to ensure that young people‟s views are
heard and included in future developments in the area. Clare discussed the opportunity to
represent the Newbattle area on Midlothian Youth Platform as membership had recently
reduced from the allocated 4 positions to one. Martin Marr with support from fellow
members agreed to represent the group leaving 2 positions on MYP for NYF.
Two members Emma and Rachel Cassells attended both the Video blogging and
podcasting 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
Lasswade Youth Forum LYF:
3 members of LYF met on the 5th July at Lasswade High School. 1 new member started –
Evans Gwenhure who is also a member of MPEG - „Midlothian People‟s Equality Group‟
which promotes equality, challenges prejudice and encourages collaboration between
different communities of people across the Midlothian. The group concentrated on the
organization and facilitation of the event in the Lasswade area, now taking place on the
12th August at Lasswade High School with the following aims:
o To provide a platform for local young musicians to showcase their music
o To promote Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF
o To recruit new members for Lasswade Youth Forum - LYF
o To raise funds for an LYF residential
Publicity and promotion of the event was a key item on the agenda.
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
Penicuik Youth Forum PYF:
No PYF meeting took place in July 2011.
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:
No DYF meeting took place in July 2011.
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
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

3
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
candidates can promote themselves/answer questions from peers/put
posters up/etc.
Successful candidates are informed through GLOW on the 26th September

4
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

5
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 July the KICK group met on 3 occasions. On both the 11th and 18th July the group met to
do further planning and preparation for the KICK Info Disco at Dalkeith Miners Club,
scheduled for Thursday the 28th July from 7-11.00pm. The group discussed roles and
responsibilities, prepared speeches and shopping lists for catering, etc. However,
unfortunately due to an extremely low uptake/response, KICK had to cancel the event at
Dalkeith Miners Club, scheduled for Thursday the 28th July from 7-11.00pm.
On the 28th July 3 KICK members met at MYPAS and suggested meeting young people in
care at their residential unit/school or at the Dalkeith Social Work centre to promote KICK
and asking Young Scot if the monies received could be used by the group for teambuilding
as there are growing tensions and divides developing effecting group cohesion and
progress.
The NEW „Having Your Say forms‟
The group developed 2 new forms in place of the previous Having Your Say form: one for
under 12years; and one for over 12years.
Elaine Fyfe – Team Leader: Throughcare and Aftercare, emailed to say “Congratulations to
the KICK group in re-designing the “Have Your Say” forms that will be sent out to all young
people to complete prior to a LAAC Review. These come in two colours and two age
ranges (under and over 12) Historically we have not seen many returns so here is an
opportunity to encourage children and young people to have their views heard.”.
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

6
MIDLOTHIAN MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT
MSYP Gina Clark and the New Scottish Youth Parliament Campaign
On the 24th July Gina was a judge on Dalkeith‟s got Talent. Interesting the young person
who came second and the young person who came third are or have been youth participants
through the youth participation structure in Midlothian.
On the 26th July Gina met SYP staff to plan a session she will be delivering on creative campaigning
at the Festival of Politics Event on the 20th of August. This event will include 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
will be a marketplace where young people can mingle and find out more about each other‟s
groups. There will also be sessions on using Photography, Cartoons and street art to express opinions
and the day will finish with a debate in the main chamber of issues that the young people attend
have chosen. So if you would like to go let Gina know a.s.a.p.
On the 27th July Gina appeared in the Metro paper in an article about her passion for youth issues
and nomination to carry the Olympic torch.
Gina also wrote a column for the Dalkeith Advertiser with an update on national and local matters.
Gina would like to inform all that the Penicuik neighbourhood development plan action planning
events have all taken place and a report with regards young people and youth issues will be
available soon for distribution. The Say No to the merger of the Penicuik town secondary schools
campaign is now cancelled as no split site campus will now take place due to the high level of
protest.
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
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.
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

7
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 stated “It was really interesting training and I learned alot
about the funding project criteria and assessment process.”
To find out more about cashback for communities, visit:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback
Flying the flag at the „Riding‟ - Procession to the Scottish Parliament
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.
celebrates the opening of the new session of Parliament. Catherine McKenzie said of the
event, “It was a fantastic experience and it was wonderful to be part of it, Alex Salmond,
the first Minister gave Karen and I a wave.”
Karen Watson is also organizing a meeting up with Young Scot to look at ways of promoting
and funding basketball in Midlothian.
To find out more about Youth Legacy Ambassadors:
http://www.youngscot.org/youthlegacy/?ss=1942&s=503&sr=1784&ID=28581
Two of Midlothian‟s Youth Legacy Ambassadors took part
in the „Riding‟ or procession to the Scottish Parliament
today, on 1st July 2011, alongside MSPs and
representatives of different aspects of Scottish culture and
society. Her Majesty the Queen, HRH The Duke of
Edinburgh, Presiding Officers and the First Minister greeted
the arrival of the riding procession in front of the Scottish
parliament building for a ceremony ceremony which

8
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 showed the film he made on the Mela event
that the MPEG group organised, on the 6th of July at the Kabin, Loanhead. Members
attending the recent MPEG meeting gave really positive feedback.
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
Young Scot Summer Training Academy
Over the month of July 14 young people from the local authority area participated in the first
2 sessions of the Midlothian Young Scot Summer Academy. The Summer Academy is a
partnership project between Midlothian Community Learning & Development section and
Young Scot.
Midlothian Young Scot Summer Academy Training:
Two free, fun and interactive sessions were delivered by Young Scot staff in July:
1. Video Bloggers at the Kabin, LCLC, 5 Mayburn
Walk, Loanhead EH20 9HG on Tuesday, 19th
July, 10am – 4pm
2. Digital Voice/Podcasting at the Library –
Lasswade High School on Tuesday, 26th July,
10am – 4pm

9
Videoblogging
Videoblogging, like podcasting and writing on the web, allows young people to express
their own views and opinions. However the experience of a videoblog is much more
powerful as the audience have the opportunity to both see and hear the person behind
the story.
This course took young people through the equipment used and some of the issues that
need to be considered before creating a Videoblog. Finally, young people were able to
view their own videoblogs which they can upload to YouTube for everyone to see.
Eleven young people attended the videoblogging session.
Participants Feedback:
10/11 stated that they understood the value of video blogging
100% stated that they Developed an understanding of how to create a video blog
100% stated that they Gained knowledge and skills needed to work effectively both
behind and in front of the camera
100% stated that they Increased their motivation to play a more active role in creating
video blogs
What participants found most useful about the training:
“How to work a camera”
“How to make a video look more professional”
“How to interview people”
“I thought it was useful to learn to properly plan a video blog”
“Most people don‟t know how to change the way you talk, but I do know”
What participants enjoyed most about the workshop and why:
“Watching the video we made it was fun to watch”
“Watching the video at the end to see how I did”
“Meeting everyone”
“All of it”
“Vokpop”
“Cinema”
“Videoing people”
“Taping”

10
Digital Voice/Podcasting
Podcasts are a new and effective way of communicating with young people and be
downloaded to MP3 players or streamed online. If the internet is a city, then podcasts are
the most popular radio station on the air!
Young Scot: Digital Voice gives young people the skills to produce their own podcasts and
have their opinions and views heard throughout the web. At the end of the day
participants produced their own podcast and gained experience of interviewing, editing
and presenting their very own audio show, which they can upload to Young Scot‟s podcast
library or iTunes!
Ten young people attended the podcasting session.
Participants Feedback:
90% stated that they enjoyed the course and 10% stated that it was „OK‟
90% stated that they would recommend the course to their friends
70% stated they would possibly/definitely make a podcast again.
Skills Development:
80% stated that they developed and improved their speaking skills
100% stated that they developed and improved their interviewing skills
90% stated that they developed and improved their listening skills
90% stated that they developed and improved their technical skills
Comments:
“I liked it because it taught me computer skills. There was no worse thing (about the
workshop)!”
“We did not have enough time to edit everything, but it was ... fun.”
“Podcast was fun and I learned some new things. I really enjoyed it.”
“I liked the podcasting. There was nothing I least enjoyed.”
“I liked how we got to actually make a podcast and edited it after(wards). Also, I
liked how we made new friends.”
“I liked ...doing the podcast. There was nothing I enjoyed least.”
“Enjoyed the editing part. I didn‟t enjoy the listening part because I find that hard.”
“I enjoyed myself and I have learned a lot.”

11
Next month, the third and final session of the Summer Academy takes place, see below for
more details:
Date/Time Description Location Age Range
Places Cost
Tuesday,2nd Aug
10am – 4pm
Young Scot: Media Savvy
Fun and interaction training on
giving young people an
essential grounding in
influencing the media in their
lives
Computer
Rm -
Penicuik
High School
12 to 25
years
10-16 Free
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
Young Scot Midlothian Homepage Statistics
Total number of hits for Midlothian content in July 2011: 5137
Breakdown of requests for local content
General Content 3462
News 1227
Rated Ballots 252
Survey 58
Events 129
Competitions 8
Special Offers 1
Registrations
Total number of young people registered to date: 336
Female: 191 Male: 143 Unspecified: 2
Breakdown of „General Content‟ Section
Features 2299
The L@b 458
Helpful Contacts 262
Home Page 200
Smartcards 243

12
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 secured £350.00 from Young Scot Youth Action Fund –
Lodged at Bank in MYP Account
Applications Submitted:
Midlothian Youth Platform - MYP applied to the Bank Of Scotland Foundation for £14,850.00
to fund a residential for current members and the newly elected 21 members representing
Midlothian secondary schools post the school elections in September.
End of funded project Evaluations:
The SGRF funded Youth Conference report is now complete and has been returned to the
Regeneration team with receipts to evidence the impact of the Youth Conference – „Give
Youth A Chance” in Midlothian.
The Community Safety funded „Antisocial Behaviour Film: What‟s the Big Deal!” project
report is currently being compiled to account for funding and impact.
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!

Youth Participation Bulletin - July 2011

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