1. © Young Scot 2008

2. Who is Young Scot? National youth information charity for Scotland Registered charity, based in Edinburgh Established for over 25 years Supporting young people aged 11 - 26 Co-located with YouthLink Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament Work with all 32 Local Authorities via Dialogue Youth partnership initiative

3. © Young Scot 2008 Young Scot Aims To provide young people, aged 11 - 26, with a mixture of information, ideas and incentives to help them become confident, informed and active citizens. We do this in a variety of formats so young people can access information in a way they are comfortable with. It is our hope that the information we provide will enable them to: –Make informed decisions and choices –Turn their ideas into action –Take advantage of the opportunities available to them –Have the confidence and knowledge to take their place as active citizens in their communities- locally, nationally and globally.

4. © Young Scot 2008 Services for Young People…

5. © Young Scot 2008 Engagement with Young People Numerous ways YS engages with young people –Outreach –Advisory groups –Inclusion Audit –Social Networking –Opportunities –Volunteering –Events –Etc!

6. © Young Scot 2008 Engagement in Decision Making Three examples: –Local Investigation Teams –Access All Areas –Youth Commission

7. © Young Scot 2008 Local Investigation Teams Working at a local level Teams of young people Peer-to-peer Research and investigation Supported National Discussion Day Final reports

8. © Young Scot 2008 Access All Areas RRRI – Inclusion Sensitising local services Working with (e.g.) –Chinese Youth Group (D&G) –Gypsy Traveller Group (Midlothian) –Polish Group (Aberdeenshire) –City of Edinburgh Pakistan Association Linking with local decision-makers Enhancing access and promote inclusion “Young Scot: All In”

9. © Young Scot 2008 Youth Commission First of it’s kind – completely youth-led Supported by Scottish Government Scotland’s “relationship with alcohol” 19 youth commissioners, 14 – 21 Research & Investigation Backed by expert advisors Use of social networking Report to Shona Robison, Health Minister Directly influencing policy

10. © Young Scot 2008 Conclusions & Principles Informed participation The “circle” of engagement Buy-in from decision-makers Trust Youth-led Incentivisation / accreditation Online / offline Flexibility

11. © Young Scot 2008 Group Discussion In the same groups consider the same community safety issue and explore: –How could young people be involved in planning activity to influence attitudes? –Is there a wider role for young people to be involved in decisions about how your organisation/ partnership tackles this issue?

12. © Young Scot 2008