magnetTHE MAGAZINE OFYOUTH SCOTLAND’S NETWORK

Building the futureExciting plans for Youth Scotland

Amazing Things 3New publication launches

Our active clubsTowards a Games Legacy

Spring 2012

IN THIS ISSUE: News, Training and Resources

NEWS 3BIKE CLUB 4GAMES 5LEGACYGIRLS ON 6THE MOVENETWORK 8AWARDS 10TRAINING 12NETWORK 13NEWS 14FUNDING 15

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THE MAGAZINE OF YOUTH SCOTLAND’S NETWORKmagnetYouth Scotland is the network of youth clubs and groups in Scotland. It is the largest non-uniformed youth organisation in Scotlandand delivers quality youth work programmes, information, resources, training and support to community based youth work acrossScotland. For more information, please visit www.youthscotland.org.uk

WELCOMEWelcome to the Spring edition of Magnet.

As the sector continues to face both challenges and opportunities, there has

never been a better time to celebrate the amazing things young people are

doing across the country.

This edition of Magnet brings stories of young people developing their

entrepreneurial skills and leading others, whether it be through setting up bike

clubs in their own communities, hosting guided walks for the public or teaching

dance sessions to their peers. As a network we continue to build new

partnerships with dynamic, like-minded organisations to ensure that young

people are given the best possible options.

Youth Scotland has been fortunate over the past few decades to have built solid

foundations, ensuring that we have the means to continue to provide

opportunities for young people across the country. Recently we have been

delighted to welcome new staff and board members and we remain committed

to ensuring that we grow and develop as an organisation. Have a look at the

page opposite for more about our plans for the future.

Young people can succeed, and young people can flourish. It may be a period

of uncertainty, but we must be adaptable, flexible and rise to the challenge.

Carol Downie

Chief Executive, Youth Scotland

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Youth Scotland, including training dates, resources, funding deadlines and news.

Website – Information about projects, training and funding at www.youthscotland.org.uk

E-bulletin – Sign up at www.youthscotland.org.uk/E-News

Twitter – Follow us @YouthScotland

And don’t forget, you can still pick up the phone! Call us on 0131 554 2561

COVER PHOTO: NICOLA BALD

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WSBuilding the future

At Youth Scotland we believe that by investing in community basedyouth work, we invest in young people’s futures. Youth Scotland’s HQbuilding is now at full capacity and having secured a £100,000 investment from the Robertson Trust, our building development plansare one step closer to becoming a reality.

The pastYouth Scotland has been built on solid foundations. Back in 1946, a capital grantof £2,000 from the then Scottish Office allowed Youth Scotland to purchase abuilding in Edinburgh’s West End. The building acted as the organisation’s originalheadquarters, as well as a hostel for young women flocking to the city to find jobsafter the Second World War. In 1979, Youth Scotland rented out the West End building and purchased its current premises at Balfour House. This shrewd financialdecision was made under the guidance of Chair Alan Blacklaws, who sadly passedaway last year. His financial acumen ensured the safeguarding of the organisation’sresources and has paved the way for a secure financial future.

With the investment of the proceeds from the sale of the West End building in1999, Youth Scotland has consolidated its financial stability.

The plansNow Youth Scotland plans to dramatically develop its Balfour House headquartersin Edinburgh. The project management group has been working with architectsand property experts to draw up a specification to create a modern, accessiblebase for community based youth work. As well as increased office space toaccommodate an expanding portfolio of projects, the new hub will incorporate ameeting and training suite, enabling Youth Scotland to continue to develop its projects and facilitate essential partnerships.

The futureThe £100,000 awarded from the Robertson Trust’s 50th Anniversary Awards represents significant support for this development. Youth Scotland is now seekingadditional funds to ensure the project can go ahead. With a secure asset base,dedicated staff team and a modernised headquarters Youth Scotland is committedto expanding our reach and enabling more young people to succeed.

New BoardMembers

This year Youth Scotland welcomes

three new members to our Board of

Directors; Mitan Patel, Mark

McGeachie and Co-opted Director

Alastair Colquhoun. Bringing an

invaluable range of skills and

experience to the Board, the new

members look forward to working

with the existing Directors in

supporting the work of Youth

Scotland over the coming year.

There have also been a number of

staff changes in the Youth Scotland

network recently. Find out more about

our new staff throughout this issue,

and see the back page of Magnet for

staff contact details.

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1908 1960 2012?

Congratulationsto Award winnersYouth Scotland would like to saya big congratulations to all winners of YouthLink Scotland’sNational Youth Worker of theYear Awards 2012.

A number of Youth Scotland memberand award groups were amongst thefinalists and runners up, includingCitadel Youth Centre and PilmenyDevelopment Project, who scoopedboth the Youth Worker of the Year(Intergenerational) Award, as well asthe prestigious Overall Winner Award,for their partnership project ‘NewSpin’ (pictured below).

We are also delighted for Youth 1stChairman Tom Bain, who picked upthe Judy Waterman Award forServices to the Youth Work Sector.

Bike Club is deliveredby a partnership ofCTC, Youth Scotlandand ContinYou and isfunded by the AsdaFoundation.

Bike Club providesadvice, support andgrants for groupsworking with young people aged between10 and 20.

How do we getinvolved?The first stage in getting setup as a Bike Club is to contact your relevant BikeClub Development Officer.They can talk you throughthe process, support you inplanning your project andhelp you to source funding.

‘Belles on Bikes’ projectBike Club is currently looking for young women in Edinburgh andGlasgow to take part in a leadership programme designed to get morewomen out on their bikes. Open to women of any age, the leadershipcourse will include;

• Cycling Scotland’s 4 day cycle trainer course • Cycle maintenance training• A Youth Active leadership award

Using the skills gained throughout the course, and with support from Bike Club,young women taking part in the leadership course will then be encouraged to set uptheir own Bike Clubs in their local area. Contact Amy or Victoria to find out more.

Accrediting young people’scycling activitiesBike Club Development Officers Amy and Victoria have recently supported youthworkers and volunteers from new Bike Clubs to undergo Youth AchievementAward training, to help them support young people in their groups to gain formalrecognition for their hard work and achievements. The youth workers are nowlooking forward to helping young people use the Awards framework to plan, takepart and evaluate their learning.

Find out more about accrediting young people’s achievements through YouthAchievement Awards and Dynamic Youth Awards on pages 10 and 11.

Becoming a Bike ClubSince the project started in Scotland in June 2010, Bike Club has supported 55 groups to deliver inspiring and exciting programmes ofcycling activities for thousands of young people. Why not join them?You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment, just a commitment from theyoung people you work with that they are willing to give it a go.

By becoming a Bike Club, your group can access;• dedicated personal support through Bike Club Development Officers• a range of ideas for encouraging young people • information about funding sources that might be relevant to you and your group• regular updates about Bike Club activity in other areas• free registration for Dynamic Youth Awards & Youth Achievement Awards • Free CTC membership including group insurance

Contacts

Amy Hickman (Edinburgh, Lothians,Falkirk and Fife)Email: amy.hickman@bikeclub.org or call 07766 405 369

Victoria Leiper (Glasgow) Email: victoria.leiper@bikeclub.orgor call 07766 403 220

Jo MacDonald (other areas) Youth Scotland Senior DevelopmentWorker (Networks)Email:jo.macdonald@youthscotland.org.uk or call 0131 554 2561

Find out more at www.youthscotland.org.uk/projects/bike-club.htm

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With London 2012 just around the corner, and the 2014 Glasgow CommonwealthGames not long behind, young people across the Youth Scotland network are getting active and encouraging others to do the same.

Our Active Clubs: Towards a Games Legacy

Coming soon… Youth Active Pack and Training ModulesYouth Scotland is currently developing a Youth Active resource pack and accompanying training modules to support youth workers and volunteers to deliver physical activities with young people. Find out more in the next edition of Magnet!

Active Nation Snapshot Challenge Winners

The Winners (and why they thought theirphotos would inspire others...)Young, Free and Fun bySafety 4 Kidz

“These images show the spirit andcommitment our group has for encouraging young people to get outside and get active. Too muchtime is spent indoors playing computer games, but these photosshow that fun can be free and is accessible to everyone.”

Ropes at Whithaugh by 208thGlasgow Boys’ Brigade

“The young people that came on this tripcame from one of the most deprived areasin Scotland. The simplicity of three youngpeople on a zip swing, who would normallyface tough decisions daily, shows it doesn'tneed much to get out there, be active andhave fun.”

Badaguish Easter Camp - Cromarty Youth Cafe

“Even when activities are hard,if you are having fun you justtry so much harder. No matterwhat the weather; rain, hail orshine, we will be out there having a great time.”

Polybagging in the Snow - 3rdKilmarnock Boys’ Brigade

“This photograph shows the more positiveside to the typical Scottish weather. Withsnow and beautiful clear blue skies, justlook at what you can do!”

Introducing… Rebecca, YouthActive Manager

At the start of the New Year we welcomed Rebecca Simpsonas our new Youth Active Manager. Rebecca joins YouthScotland from Sports Leaders UK, where as the ProjectDevelopment Officer for Scotland she supported young people to recognise their achievements in sport and danceleadership.

“As Youth Active Manager I am really looking forward to providing opportunities for young peopleacross the country to get more active, and all the amazing benefits that go with it.

It's about young people finding the thing that works forthem, believing in themselves and really going for it.”

Contact rebecca.simpson@youthscotland.org.uk.

Area Coordinator John to go toOlympics

Youth Scotland is delighted that our very own AreaCoordinator, John Nicolson, has been selected from over250,000 applicants to be a volunteer ‘Games Maker’ at thisyear’s Olympics. John, who supports Youth Scotland member groups in the Falkirkarea, will be joining the 70,000Games Makers volunteering atLondon 2012. He will be workingas a marshal for the cyclingactivities, including the mountainbike track and the road race.

How would you inspire more young people to beactive in their everyday lives? We asked youth groups,clubs and units across the country to take a photo thatwould do just that.

Judges Fiona Mcintrye, Editor of the Young Scot magazine and Adam Lang, Public Affairs, Media andCommunications Officer at YouthLink Scotland hadthe tricky task of choosing the winners, who will eachreceive a £300 grant for their group.

Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who entered. View all of the fantastic entries at www.activenationchallenge.org

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Girls on the Move is a programme designed toincrease physical activitylevels among girls andyoung women in Scotland.The project is run by YouthScotland and funded by TheRobertson Trust and HealthScotland.

Participation – be inspiredSome of the Girls on the Move projects that have recently receivedfunding include:

• Tweedale Youth Action is running sessions on street dance, cheer leading andZumba following a consultation with young people attending the group.

• The Muslim Women’s Association of Edinburgh is offering badminton and martial arts sessions. The girls will also hold a fund raising event and visit local sports facilities available in the community.

• Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with Active Schools, Muirhouse Youth Development Group and Pilton Youth and Children’s Project have developed a programme of coached trampoline sessions at a reduced cost, as well as supporting young women to attend sessions on the teenage Energize programme and Open all Hours.

• Moray Art Centre. Following a short pilot project of street dance classes, the Art Centre is now looking to develop a 5 month project.

• Dumfries and Galloway Council Community Learning and Development Service is providing structured activities focusing on physical and mental health,including aqua zumba, gym induction, smoking cessation and healthy eating sessions.

• Ayrshire Communities Education and Sport is establishing a girls’ physical activity group, street dance and cheer group, which will also cover health issuesand drug and alcohol education. The project will offer free sessions in street dance and cheerleading, as well as zumba and boxercise.

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LeadershipGirls on the Move leadership courses provide opportunities foryoung women aged 16-24to gain leadership skills.They range from 1-dayintroductions to 5-dayresidentials and takeplace across Scotland.

ParticipationGrants of up to £2,000 forprojects and initiativesthat aim to increase physical activity levelsamong girls and youngwomen aged 12 –18.

Sports Leadership course forBME young womenGirls on the Move is continuing to develop opportunities for young women fromblack and minority ethnic communities to take on leadership roles. Working in partnership with the Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association (SEMSA), Girls onthe Move recently ran the first Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership. This non-residential course gave participants the opportunity to develop skills in delivering a range of sport and physical activity programmes.

Visit www.youthscotland.org.uk/GirlsontheMove to find out about future leadership courses.

Launch of Level 2 Award inDance LeadershipGirls on the Move, in partnership with Sports Leaders UK, is delivering the first national Sports Leaders UK Level 2 Award inDance Leadership course.

This residential course is open to Girls on the Move participants (aged 16 – 24)who have completed a Level 1 Award in either Sport or Dance leadership. The fiveday course will build upon the generic leadership skills that were developed inLevel 1 and provide more specific training and practical experience.

Date: 2nd - 6th April (five day residential course)Venue: Kilgraston School, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire, PH2 9BQ

For further information about the Level 2 course, please contact RebeccaSimpson, Youth Active Manager on 0131 554 2561 or email rebecca.simpson@youthscotland.org.uk

New Leadership developments…

Move It Essentials -Essential trainingfor workers

Youth Scotland has recently developed a new series of trainingfocusing on skilling up workers todeliver physical activity with youngwomen. Successful events havealready been held in both Edinburghand Glasgow, with youth workersreporting that the events have giventhem plenty of ideas to take back totheir work with young women. Seepage 12 for more info.

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Girls on the Move recently ran a second Leadership Course with theyoung women at Cornton Vale prison. Building on a successful partnership with the Scottish Prison Service that was first established in 2010, the impact the courses are having on the youngwomen involved is now becoming clear.

• Many of the young women involved are now keen to develop their skills in leading others – two young women from the first course at Cornton Vale assisted the dance tutors and provided peer support to the new participants on the second course.

• One of these young women is now completing her Platinum Youth Achievement Award, a qualification which is credit levelled at SCQF level 7 and is comparable to an Advanced Higher or HNC.

• Upon release, a participant from the most recent course is now working with her social worker and other staff to lead sessions within her own community.

• Feedback from the courses has demonstrated a real change in attitude and confidence for individuals; “I gained more confidence and it taught me to just give everything a try”, said one participant. “I think I gained a lot of self confidence and learned how to work better in a team and by myself”, said another.

The partners have agreed that Girls on the Move supports Cornton Vale toachieve their offenders’ outcomes and contributes significantly to the health andwellbeing agenda. The courses aim to build confidence amongst the womenwho take part, increase their communication skills, give them a sense of self-esteem and prepare them better for release. While dance may have beenthe primary attraction for the young women, developing life skills has been thekey focus of the project.

The partnership with the Scottish Prison Service has now developed to includecourses for young women at Saughton Prison.

Boys on BeatDo you work with young men interestedin developing their skills in dance?

Youth Scotland continues to run our innovativeBoys on Beat programme, with a new coursescheduled for this Easter.

Delivered in partnership with The Stand inGlasgow, this non residential course is open toyoung men aged 14 - 24 and will offer them theopportunity to work towards a Sports LeadersUK Level 1 Award in Dance Leadership and aBronze Youth Achievement Award.

Young men do not have to have prior dance experience, only a willingness togive it a go! A participant from a previous leadership course said; “The coursewas challenging, but also really inspiring. It took me out of my comfort zone. Bythe end of the week I was standing in front of everyone taking a class. I wouldsay to anyone applying for the next Boys on Beat course, go with an open mind– anything can happen.”

Find out more, including how to apply, at www.youthscotland.org.uk/projects/boys-on-beat.htm

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Positive outcomes at Cornton Vale SNIPPETS

Girls on the Move presents in Paris

As a result of Girls on the Move’sselection as a case study for theWorld Health Organisation, the project was recently invited to presentat the International Sports andCulture Association’s Move 2011conference in Paris. The eventbrought a wide range of practitionersfrom around the world, to share bestpractice and discuss innovative newways to deliver physical activity toyoung women in a community-basedcontext. Girls on the Move presentedon ‘Overcoming the barriers for hardto reach, inactive, teenage girls’. Thepresentation was very well received,and was subsequently featured inDanish magazine, DGI.

Girls on the Move continues to develop dialogues with internationalorganisations such as France andCanada, sharing experience and skillsin the field of physical activity promotion in socially disadvantagedgroups.

Placement for Iona fromStrathclyde University

Girls on the Move is currently providing an opportunity for a studentfrom Strathclyde University’sCommunity Arts degree to undertakeher practical placement with the project. Iona Smillie, a previousLeadership course participant, isworking with Girls on the Move toplan, deliver and evaluate her ownGirls on the Move leadership coursewith young women in Glasgow. Weare delighted to be able to supportthe professional development offuture community practitioners, andlook forward to developing similaropportunities in the future. Best ofluck Iona!

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What happens in youryouth group?

Stage 7:Young people take on a leadershipor peer education role

Stage 6:Young people plan, organiseand lead activities

Stage 5:Young people help to organise activities

A wide range of youth groups make up Youth Scotland’smembership, including youth clubs, youth centres, information projects, youth cafes, action groups and projects. 50% of these groups are based in small townsand rural areas, offering a much-needed place for youngpeople to meet.

Each week, around 40 young people come together to getinvolved in a variety of activities at Cruden Bay Youth Club.Meeting on a Friday night in the local high school sportshall, the club provides a space for young people tosocialise, make contact and engage with each other.Developing trust and sharing, the young people have achance to use the facility’s computers, take part in physicalactivities such as table tennis, badminton and football anddo arts and crafts.

“In Cruden Bay there isn’t that much for young people todo," said Chairperson John Senior. "We provide a safeplace where they can come together and meet each other

regularly, build up relationships and maybe try some newactivities. Giving young people this kind of opportunity hasa tremendous impact on their confidence, self-esteem andawareness of others.”

A safe place to meet

Youth Scotland’s projects and programmes are based upon John Huskin’s youth work Curriculum Development Model, (referenced in the 1996 publication ‘Quality Work with Young People’). This model provides a framework for describing the progression of young people through youth work. Many of these stages can be recognised through Dynamic Youth Awards and Youth Achievement Awards.

For more information, visit www.youthscotland.org.uk

CASE STUDY

Platinum Youth Achievement AwardsSCQF Level 7

Gold Youth Achievement AwardsSCQF Level 6

Silver Youth Achievement AwardsSCQF Level 5

Bronze Youth Achievement AwardsSCQF Level 4

Stage 4:Young people take part in activities

Stage 3:Young people socialise and engage in regular discussions

Stage 2:Young people meet regularly

Stage 1:Young people make initial contact

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Youth Scotland’s network of member groups and clubs includes 43,668young people in 968 youth groups. Within these groups, young peopleare doing fantastic things. Here’s some of the stories we know about... doyou have more? Email them to meg.watson@youthscotland.org.uk

Kirsty, aged 16, recently took part in a Youth Scotlandorganised First Aid course as part of a programme ofactivities with her youth group. Working alongside herpeers, Kirsty learnt essential emergency live savingskills, such as how to help someone who is choking orunconscious.

Kirsty gained a British Red Cross certificate for herinvolvement, but perhaps more importantly the confidence to deal with such a situation. She was unexpectedly put to the test afew weeks later, when shehelped a member of the publicwho had collapsed. Using theskills she had learnt, she placedhim in the recovery position,called for an ambulance, ensuredhis condition remained stable,and waited with him until theemergency services arrived.

Skills for lifeLast year, a group of young people from Tarland carried outan engagement project to determine what kinds of activitiesyoung people would like to see take place in their local area.

Following a consultation process, they established a cinema project which shows films fortnightly in the localMacRobert Hall. Running each session themselves, withsupport from adults in the community, the young people,aged 14 – 16, have also explored ways to promote the activity to others through Facebook and email. Some havestarted Youth Achievement Awards and the group plans todevelop the project further through Youth Scotland’sInvolvement Training programme.

“I’ve been really impressed with the level of commitment and enthusiasm shown by the young people involved in this project”, said Lizzy Shepherd,Marr Area Partnership Development Officer. “They havedeveloped key skills in planning and organising meetings and have developed a real sense of responsibility. They have also been excellent in representing the project to the wider community, getting a mention in the Abyone Academy LearningCommunity HMIE report.”

Kayleigh, aged 18, was keen to raise money for comicrelief, so she worked with her youth group to plan a jumblesale in the local community centre. Using the Gold levelYouth Achievement Award as a framework, Kayleighexplored the issues involved in raising money and tookresponsibility for planning and running the jumble sale.

“I received a fundraising pack and then had to think carefully about how I would plan the sale, including gettingothers to help out," said Kayleigh. "Getting enough peopleto come was tricky, but I am really pleased with how itwent in the end. I gained knowledge about the wider worldand about the needs of others, as well as good fundraisingideas for the future.”

Raising fundsJamie, aged 21, created a heritage drama project foryoung people as part of his Platinum Youth AchievementAward. 25 young people were involved in promotingFalkirk’s history to the town’s visitors.

With Jamie’s support, the group researched charactersand devised a script, made costumes, mapped out theroute and rehearsed their lines. They have now deliveredguided walks to around 500 people, using the funds raisedto pay for new costumes and sound effects. Each youngperson has achieved a Dynamic Youth Award or YouthAchievement Award for their individual contribution, whileJamie collected his Platinum Award as well as a YoungScot 2011 Award for Heritage.

Paranormal activity

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Movies for communities

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S AccreditationYouth Scotland supports young people to gain recognition for their achievementsthrough Youth Achievement Awards and Dynamic Youth Awards. These Awardsare offered through a network of agencies, including youth groups, volunteer centres, youth councils, local authorities, voluntary agencies, colleges andschools.

Dynamic Youth Awards (10-14 year olds) andYouth Achievement Awards (14+), accessed viaYouth Scotland, enable young people to measuretheir own and each other’s achievementsthrough youth work approaches and to developnew skills. The Youth Achievement Awards areplaced on the Scottish Credit and QualificationsFramework (SCQF).

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CASE STUDY

achievementawards

Youth Achievement Awards provide a framework foryoung people to recognise their achievements througha youth work approach. On successful completion, ayoung person gains a Youth Achievement Award, anSCQF credit rated qualification, and a whole heap ofskills. We asked one award recipient, Stuart, about hisYouth Achievement Award journey.

Stuart, from Falkirk, was initially encouraged to do a BronzeYouth Achievement Award by the youth worker at his localyouth group.

“I got involved with my local youth group when I wasin Primary 5, and I went along with my pals. I didn’tknow what a youth club was but it was great, therewasn’t a lot to do in my area so having something togo to every week was a bonus. We did cool stuff, likearts and crafts, cooking and outdoor activities.

My worker suggested we do Bronze YouthAchievement Awards when we started on a project todecorate the inside of our youth club. Doing the awardwas good because we got to choose exactly what we wanted to do; we researched, came up with thedesigns for the walls and then got an artist to come inand show us how to do it. My picture was a car, and Iwas so proud of it.

When we had completed the project we had a celebration evening where we were presented with acertificate in a frame. I just remember it felt reallyamazing to have got it. At school I had never got anything like that. It was great. And my picture of thecar is still there, in the youth club!”

Stuart continues to play an active role in his community.Having completed a Platinum Youth Achievement Award, henow works as Youth Scotland’s Youth Work in Sport trainee, providing support to youth groups in his area, as well as toprojects across Scotland.

Do the young people you work have a Youth AchievementAward journey they would like to share? We would love to feature them in Magnet.

Email awards@youthscotland.org.uk with your young people’s awards journeys.

The Youth Achievement Award journey

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3,049 young people aged 10-14 gained recognition for theirachievements through Dynamic YouthAwards

1,162 young people aged 14+gained recognition for their achievements (and an SCQF creditrated qualification) through the YouthAchievement Awards

A network of 505 organisationsworked in partnership to enableyoung people to gain awards, including youth groups, local authorities, schools and colleges

The 10,000th DynamicYouth Award was awarded to a youngperson in the Highlands

Youth Scotland would like to say amassive congratulations to everyonethat has achieved an award!

AwardsInductionTrainingNew to the Awards? Want to knowhow they work, and how your groupcould use them? Youth Scotland’sYouth Achievement Awards InductionTraining Days are open to everyoneinterested in supporting young peopleto gain Youth Achievement Awardsand/or Dynamic Youth Awards.

Dates for 2012

10th April, Edinburgh6th June, Aberdeen16th August, Glasgow10th October, Edinburgh5th December, Glasgow

Visitwww.youthscotland.org.uk/Training to book.

Youth Scotland is also currently developing an Introduction toDynamic Youth Awards trainingcourse. Keep your eye on the YouthScotland Training Calendar for details.

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Young Scot RewardsYouth Scotland is working in partnership with Young Scot to become a Young Scot Points Provider for the Dynamic Youth Awards and Youth Achievement Awards.

This means that in addition to gaining accredited recognition for young people’sachievements, young people achieving the Awards will also receive points on theirYoung Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC). The points and rewards scheme is partof new platform called Young Scot Rewards.

How many points will young people get?

1 star Dynamic Youth Award

2 star Dynamic Youth Award

3 star Dynamic Youth Award

4 star Dynamic Youth Award

5 star Dynamic Youth Award

Bronze Youth Achievement Award

Silver Youth Achievement Award

Gold Youth Achievement Award

Platinum Youth Achievement Award

What do the points mean?Points received by young people can be redeemed for ‘money-can’t-buy’ rewards andunique experiences, such as a free driving lesson with BSM, diving with sharks atDeep Sea World, working with Banana Row music professionals or shadowing a toplawyer.

How do young people receive their points and rewards?Once young people have completed their Dynamic Youth Award or Youth AchievementAward, Youth Scotland will send them Young Scot Reward vouchers along with theircertificates. Points can be collected and redeemed online at www.youngscot.org.

More informationFor more information about the Reward scheme, visit www.youngscot.net or contactDavid McNeill, Entitlements and Rewards Director, at davidm@youngscot.org or on0131 313 2488.

New Awards CoordinatorWe welcome Lara Jenkinson as the new Awards Coordinator. Lara looks forward toproviding a quality experience for learners and supporting agencies accessing theDynamic Youth Awards, Youth Achievement Awards and other Youth Scotland youthwork initiatives. Contact lara.jenkinson@youthscotland.org.uk

Free Dynamic Youth Awards forYouth Scotland MembersDid you know that Youth Scotland members can now registerto deliver the Dynamic Youth Awards, absolutely free? YouthScotland member groups are entitled to free registration, and up to 10 free Dynamic Youth AwardChallenge Sheets per year.

250 Points

500 Points

1,000 Points

1,500 Points

2,000 Points

1,500 Points

2,000 Points

2,500 Points

3,000 Points

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Essential Training for Youth Workers and Volunteers

The PDA in Youth Work gives youthworkers and volunteers the chance tobuild their skills in youth work byundertaking a nationally recognised,SQA accredited qualification at SCQFLevel 6.

Following the pilot last year, 2 coursesare now successfully underway in theBorders and the Lothians, and YouthScotland is actively developing opportunities for courses in otherareas.

Find out more at the Youth Scotlandwebsite, and make sure you aresigned up to Youth Scotland e-news for the latest on new courses.

Professional Development Award in Youth Work

Move It Essentialsis part of a newseries of training runby Youth Scotland,focusing on skilling up workers todeliver physical activity programmesfor young women.

Whether it’s dance, sport or games,these free events will give you the confidence to lead activities back inyour own group. Delegates canchoose from a choice of four workshops, including Get Dancing,Skipping, Young Women and PhysicalActivity and Next Steps.

Find out more at www.youthscotland.org.uk/Training

Move It Essentials

Youth Scotland's Involvement Trainingprogramme is a structured first step todeveloping young people as leaders intheir own communities. The first stagein the Involvement Training programmeis a one day tutor training course forworkers.

This training will introduce workers towhat’s involved in the programme, andequip workers with the knowledge andskills to support young people to deliver Involvement Training Stage 1.

Next Involvement Training TutorTraining dates: 10th April, Isle of Lewis24th April, Glasgow2nd May, Edinburgh

Involvement TrainingTutor Training

ESSENTIALSTraining

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Streetgames An Innovative PartnershipYouth Scotland is developing more physical activityopportunities for young people, through an innovativepartnership with sports charity StreetGames.

Launched in January 2007, StreetGames aims to changelives and communities by supporting a network of projectswhich give sporting and volunteering opportunities to youngpeople in disadvantaged communities.

It includes the Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers(CSYG) programme, which supports young people to makethe most of their talents and abilities through volunteering.

Lois Marshall, as Youth Scotland's new Young LeaderDevelopment Worker, will play a key role in delivering theCooperative StreetGames Young Volunteers programme inScotland.

Lois, who was formerly part of Youth Scotland’s Girls on theMove team, believes the possibilities are endless.

“StreetGames is a really exciting initiative, bringing accessible and enjoyable activities to young people, whereand when they want to get involved”, said Lois. “I can see itreally taking off.”

“As part of the wider Youth Scotland Young Leader programme, this partnership will be of real benefit to youngpeople across Scotland, offering more opportunities foryoung people to get involved in their communities, receivetraining and support and become skilled, confident leaders.”

Youth Scotland and StreetGames are currently workingtogether to identify pilot projects for this exciting new pieceof work. Together, they will be developing training sessionsand additional support material for youth workers includingworkshops on retaining and mentoring young sports volunteers.

Keep an eye on the Youth Scotland Training Calendar formore info.

Youth Scotland’s Training Essentials are a series of free, local one day training events, giving youth workers and volunteers the opportunity todevelop new skills, increase their knowledge and meet others doing similarwork in their area.

Training Essentials offers a range of exciting workshops, including ArtsSmart, Conflict Resolution, Evaluation and Outcomes, Active Clubs, InternetSafety and Young People, Alcohol and Drugs.

Forthcoming Training Essentials events are scheduled for Stirling,Aberdeenshire and Glasgow.

Visit www.youthscotland.org.uk/Training for dates and booking.

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With support from CashBack for Communities and Aberdeenshire Council, YouthScotland has been able to provide a strong, successful support network for youthwork organisations and young people in Aberdeenshire.

Over the past year, Youth Scotland Area Coordinators Mary Cochrane and LindaBabbs have helped groups get set up and apply for funding as well as providing training sessions for youth workers at times and places that suit them.

Last year’s highlights include;• A successful Training Essentials event, in which 37 youth workers and volunteers

developed skills in Child Protection, Young People & Self Esteem, Active Clubs & ArtSmart.

• Further worker training sessions, including First Aid, Raising your game, Keep it Realand Involvement Training Tutor Training, which equipped workers with ideas and confidence to engage volunteers and young people.

• 22 young leaders completed Bored Meetings training and Involvement Training, and are now in the process of using the skills they have developed to run projects with their peers.

• A number of new groups were established, including Really Cool Club, Action Kintore, Inferno, Kennethmount, Tarland Youth Cinema, Banchory Youth Initiatives and Strathdon Youth Group.

“Our roles, and the resources we have, mean that young people and youth workers gain access to training and support at a local level. InAberdeenshire this is especially important - due to the rural nature of theareas there are limited opportunities for young people to get involved in,”said Linda.

“The success of Youth Scotland’s Aberdeenshire project is also due to thededicated volunteers who keep these groups going," added Mary. “We helpthem with a range of issues such as PVG, policies, funding etc, so they cancontinue to go on delivering fantastic work.”

Get Set for Play ToolkitYouth Highland, Youth Scotland’s partner association in the Highlands, has recently launched ‘GetSet for Play’, a brand new toolkit for youth clubs andgroups.

Funded by Inspiring Scotland’s Go Play fund, this bright and accessible toolkit is full of information and advice on introducingplay activities into your youth group programme. While the activities are aimed specifically at children and young people attending junior youth groups, the activities can easily be adapted for older age groups.

It includes a section of ideas for games, as well as information about the benefits ofplay, challenges and solutions, and paperwork (template policies and forms are alsoprovided to make paperwork as pain free as possible!).

Youth Scotland member groups in the Highlands can request their free copy directlyfrom Youth Highland, by emailing info@youthhighland.org.uk.

Groups and organisations out with the Highlands can also purchase the toolkit. Cost: £13 (Youth Scotland Members) and £18 (Non-Members).

Order the toolkit at www.youthscotland.org.uk/Resources

SNIPPETSNew ActivitiesCoordinator for YouthHighlandYouth Highland welcomes JuliaMacLeod as their new Activities Co-ordinator. Julia will be supportingthe development of activities andopportunities in youth clubs andgroups in Highland. The post is partof a joint project between YouthScotland and Youth Highland, and isfunded by CashBack forCommunities and the RobertsonTrust.

Youth Scotland inOrkneySince last September, Youth Scotlandhas been working with Orkney IslandsCouncil, Orkney Association of YouthClubs, the Robertson Trust andCashBack for Communities to support community-based youth programmes in Orkney. AreaCoordinator Maureen Herdmanhas been very busy supporting youthgroups across the islands to plan anddeliver existing and new initiatives, including Fit/Fun Days, rock musicworkshops and concerts, a First Geardriver safety programme, foodhygiene courses and a range of physical activity programmes.

Update: YouthBordersHaving spent the previous two yearsworking hard to focus on the sustainability of youth work in theBorders, YouthBorders is now turningits attention to supporting the rangeand quality of youth work provisionprovided by its members. Thisincludes developing a robust programme of training and activititesfor youth workers, volunteers andyoung people.

Supporting this development is newDevelopment Coordinator (YouthWork), Ceri Hunter. Ceri, who joinsthe Association from LGBT YouthScotland, is looking forward to working with member groups in thisexciting new phase. DownloadYouthBorders’ Impact Report atwww.youthborders.org.uk/impactreport11

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The Awards Network is delighted to announce the publication of the third edition of Amazing Things – a guideto the youth awards in Scotland.

The publication has been produced by the Awards Network,a forum of twenty-one providers of non-formal learningawards across Scotland. The Awards Network was established by Youth Scotland as part of the ScottishGovernment’s Volunteer Action Plan.

This flagship publication includes:• Forewords from; Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children

and Young People; Dr Bill Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer, Education Scotland; and Iain McMillan, Director CBI Scotland

• A useful, at a glance Index of Awards

• The awards in detail, including key features, case studies, contact details and web links for further information

• A section that contextualises the awards in relation to Curriculum for Excellence

• Information about the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and how different types of learning fit together

Aimed at everyone who places a value on young people’s voluntary effort todevelop their own skills andimprove the communitiesaround them, Amazing Things(third edition) is a key document for youth work organisations, schools, colleges, universities, andemployers.

How to get your copyAmazing Things (third edition) is available to download forfree from www.youthscotland.org.uk/AmazingThings

Visit

www.awardsnetwork.org to use the online award search facility and keep up to date with Awards Network news.

THE MAGAZINE OF YOUTH SCOTLAND’S NETWORKmagnetThird edition of Amazing Things

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More for your money - YouthScotland MembershipWe know times are tight. For as little as £45 your youthgroup could have:

• Help to register workers/ volunteers with the PVG scheme

• Access to a tailor-made insurance package, including a special package for smaller groups

• Access to Youth Work Essentials, which includes information, sample policies and employment law advice

• Free or discounted training, delivered at times and locations that suit you

• Free Dynamic Youth Awards registration

• Access to up to £2,000 through Youth Scotland's small grants schemes

• Peace of mind, knowing that your group is part of a network of around 1,000 youth groups delivering safe andinspiring activities for Scotland's young people.

Find out more about the benefits of Youth Scotland membership and the insurance package at www.youthscotland.org.uk/JoinUs

A safe youth work environment: PVG updateIn February 2011, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups(PVG) Scheme replaced the old Disclosure system.

We are now approaching the second phase of implementation, where existing staff and volunteers will betransferred from the old disclosure process to the PVGscheme. This will be completed gradually, over a period oftwo years. Youth Scotland will outline the exact procedurefor groups when the implementation date is confirmed.

Youth Scotland has produced a summary informationsheet about the PVG system and what it means for youthgroups and individual workers and volunteers. You candownload this information sheet atwww.youthscotland.org.uk/JoinUs

Remember: Youth Scotland also provides further guidance on how to comply with the PVG scheme through the Safe and Sound channel of the Youth Work Essentials site.

www.youthscotland.org.uk/YouthWorkEssentials

Please contact Jo MacDonald, Senior DevelopmentWorker Networks on jo.macdonald@youthscotland.org.ukor 0131 554 2561 with any PVG queries.

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Amazing Things A guide to the youth

awards in Scotland(Third edition)

AwardsNetworkThe network of youth

awards in Scotland

‘So many amazing things are happening in the

world right now. Don’t let them pass you by.’

Melanie, Young Volunteer

hird ver digital 8/

1/12 6:29 pm Page

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Towergate Insurance provides YouthScotland member groups with both a specialist insurance package and specialistadvice on insurance for youth groups.To be a member of Youth Scotland, youdo not have to take this insurance coverbut you must be able to demonstrate thatyou have adequate insurance cover fromanother source.

MembershipMatters2011/12

Youth Scotland is the network of youth clubsand groups in Scotland. We are the largestnon-uniformed youth organisation inScotland and deliver quality youth work programmes, information, resources, trainingand support to community-based youth workacross Scotland.

This booklet is designed to give you moredetails about the benefits of being a member of Youth Scotland and guide youthrough how your group can access thesebenefits.

Information about all Youth Scotland projects and services can be found atwww.youthscotland.org.uk

CashBack Small Grants SchemeHelping get groups up and running

Since the CashBack Small Grants Scheme was established, £421,258 hasbeen distributed to 437 projects across Scotland, benefitting more than24,580 young people. It has supported some great programmes of activityfor young people, and crucially, has allowed groups to be established inareas where they are needed most.

For example, a start-up grant through the CashBack Small GrantsScheme provided a much-needed programme of activities for theyoung people of Inverbervie in Aberdeenshire.

Following consultation with young people, parents and other local residents, it wasclear that there was a lack of opportunity for young people locally. Location was amajor barrier - young people were often required to travel 10-15 miles away to accessthe nearest youth group activities.

With support from the CashBack Small Grants Scheme, Bervie Youth Club was established to provide young people with access to fun, safe and accessible activities.The £800 grant enabled the group to purchase simple equipment to support theweekly running of the group, including a games console, arts and crafts materials andsports equipment. The group now continues to run on a regular basis and is a recognised place for young people in the community to socialise and develop theirskills.

“Young people in Inverbervie are less likely to hang about the street nowthat they have somewhere to go to,” said Karen Hay, group Chairperson. “It has also meant that more adults are becoming involved in volunteeringin the local community, and these volunteers are becoming skilled in vitalareas such as food hygiene and child protection. It has made a real difference to the young people in our area.”

Apply NowTo be eligible for a Small Grant, groups or units must be led by volunteers and be a member of one of the six partnership organisations; The Scout Association, Girlguiding Scotland, Boys’ Brigade, The Girls’ Brigade in Scotland, Clubs for Young People (Scotland) or Youth Scotland. Find out more at www.youthscotland.org.uk/projects/cashback-small-grants-scheme.htm

Big Lottery launches Young Start FundA new fund aimed at unlocking the potential of Scotland's children andyoung people has been launched by the Big Lottery Fund.

The Young Start fund will award grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for projectslasting up to two years. The fund, which uses money from dormant bank accounts, isforecast to invest £8.9 million by March 2013.

The Young Start fund aims to create opportunities for children and young people aged8 to 24 to help realise their potential. It is aimed at third sector organisations includingcommunity groups, social enterprises, housing associations, sports organisations,cooperatives and charities.

Find out more at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_young_start

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SNIPPETS2014 Communities

Big Lottery Fund's 2014 Communitiesis a micro grants programme, offeringlocal sports clubs, voluntary andcommunity organisations, communitycouncils and schools grants of £300to £2,000 to support and stimulategrass roots involvement in sport andphysical activity, in the run up to the2014 Commonwealth Games.www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_2014_communities

People Making Waves:Volunteer Bursaries andSmall Grants

People Making Waves is a 4 year programme that will invite the peopleof Scotland to connect with theLondon 2012 Olympic andParalympic Games and the OlympicMovement in general, to express itsvalues of excellence, respect, equality, courage, determination,inspiration and friendship.

Volunteer bursaries of up to £500 areavailable to cover expenses for volunteers in London or Scotland.

Funding of up to £2,000 is availablefor groups looking to increase participation in arts and crafts activities long-term.

www.peoplemakingwaves.org.uk

Young Scot CreativeEnterprise Fund

Young Scot and Creative Scotland’sCreative Enterprise Fund is now openfor applications. The fund supportsyoung people aged 15 – 22 to flourish within the creative industries.It offers awards of up to £200 forindividuals or £750 for groups.Eligible activities might include running local youth dance classes,managing theatre productions or getting a band up and running. The Grants Committee meets everytwo months.

www.youngscotextra.org/cefDon’t forget, you can find a range of funding opportunities at the ‘Funding’section of the Youth Scotland website and in our regular e-news bulletins –sign up at www.youthscotland.org.uk/ENews

STAFFBased at the Youth Scotland offices in Edinburgh:Carol DownieChief ExecutiveSteven GreigYouth Work ManagerGeorge CherrieSenior Awards Development WorkerJo MacDonaldSenior Development Worker (Networks) Lara JenkinsonAwards Co-ordinatorRebecca SimpsonYouth Active ManagerVacancyGirls on the Move Development WorkerLois MarshallYoung Leader Development Worker

Michele MeehanTraining and Communications Manager

Meg WatsonCommunications Development Worker

Suzanne ForupNetwork Development Manager(currently on maternity leave)

Mandy PatersonOperations Manager

Susan MacNeillFinancial Administrator (p/t)

Kayleigh LintonOffice Administrator

Based within Areas:Jessica MillsProgramme Development Manager, Youth Highland

Julia MacLeodActivities Co-ordinator, Youth Highland

Linda BabbsArea Co-ordinator South Aberdeenshire

Mary CochraneArea Co-ordinator North Aberdeenshire

John NicolsonArea Co-ordinator, Falkirk

Stuart ConquerYouth Work in Sport Trainee

Glynis LockhartYouth Development Worker, Galloway

Susan PollockYouth Worker, DumfriesshireMaureen HerdmanArea Co-ordinator, OrkneyVacancyArea Co-ordinator, Dumfries & Galloway

Email addresses for all staff are firstname.lastname@youthscotland.org.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF YOUTH SCOTLAND’S NETWORK

Keep It Real

Bored Meetings

Bike Club

Girls on the MoveParticipation Programme

Youth Scotland, Balfour House19 Bonnington Grove, Edinburgh EH6 4BL

Tel: 0131 554 2561Fax: 0131 454 3438Email: office@youthscotland.org.ukWeb: www.youthscotland.org.uk.

magnet is published by Youth Scotland.The views expressed in magnet are not necessarily those of Youth Scotland.

A company limited by guarantee. Registered in Scotland 125456. Scottish Charity No SC000501. Affiliated to UK Youth

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Participation

Involvement TrainingProgramme

Girls on the MoveLeadership courses

Boys on Beat

Young LeaderProgramme

Leadership

Dynamic YouthAwards

Youth AchievementAwards

Accreditation

Training Essentials

PPSS National Training Conference

PDA in Youth Work

Raising Your Game

Resources and Toolkits

www.youthscotland.org.uk

Magnet

E-bulletins

Twitter

Supporting workers and volunteers

Youth ScotlandMembership

Insurance for YouthGroups

Support with ChildProtection issues

Youth Work EssentialsWebsite

Monitoring and Evaluation Support

Law at Work

Small GrantsSchemes:

• CashBack• Girls on the Move

Supporting youthgroups andorganisations

The Youth ScotlandNetwork

Volunteering ActionPlan

The Awards Network

respectmeAnti-Bullying projects

Partnership andinnovation

Youth Scotland is the largest non-uniformed youth organisation in Scotland. We deliver quality youth workprogrammes, information, resources, training and supportto community-based youth work across Scotland.

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Youth Scotland works in partnership with a network of autonomous Area Associations throughoutScotland to support the delivery of local, community-based youth work. All contact details for AreaAssociations can be found on the ‘Network’ pages of the Youth Scotland website.www.youthscotland.org.uk/network/network1.htm