Published on:
10
December 2012
Young people from across Clackmannanshire met at the Bowmar Centre in Alloa last week to explore opportunities to develop programmes and services in line with a response to the recent Youth Consultation.
Almost 1500 young people took part in the consultation and highlighted what they were currently participating in, what they would like to see developed and the issues that effect them.
Education, sport and leisure convener, Councillor Ellen Forson, said: "The largest percentage of the 1440 young people who took part in the consultation state that they take part in outdoor activities, sports and hanging about the streets.
"Young people would like to see more opportunities for part time work, not surprisingly we see a decrease in young people in part time employment with an increase in young people volunteering.
"Other activities that young people are interested in are sports activities, outdoor activities and creative activities."
The main issues identified by young people were bullying, substance misuse and vandalism. There was a five per cent increase of young people stating that internet bullying was an issue and four and a half per cent increase in text bullying.
The Young Scot Reward Scheme at a local level aims to address some of these concerns by providing information and encouraging young people to take positive action tackle these issues.
Councillor Forson added: "In addition we will be working in partnership with services and agencies to increase opportunities for young people to take part in the development of physical activities, creative activities and development of employment skills.
"Whilst young people are participating in these areas the will be able to gain Young Scot points, they would aim to collect points and redeem these for rewards, discounts and opportunities."
Thursday gave young people the chance to try out some options for gaining and spending points, the feedback was positive with participants hoping to see access to football, gym and music tuition being included in local rewards as well as discounts at the hairdressers, driving lessons and Sterling Mills.
Find out more about the Young Scot reward scheme please visit www.youngscot.org. The site will be updated in the New Year with local rewards.