This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Bid to broaden youth work appeal
01/08/2006
A consultation on plans to get more young people involved in activities and youth organisations was launched today.
At a visit to Airdrie's @Home Centre, Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown heard how signing up for the project had led to one band signing a record contract. North Lanarkshire band - Flood of Red - met and mastered their music at the centre and are currently touring the UK.
Mr Brown said:
"Young people are capable of so much. Their talent, creativity and enthusiasm is one of Scotland's greatest assets and it must be developed for the future benefit of our country.
"We need to find ways of opening up opportunities for young people to make the most of their talents and interests. Access to a wide range of activities and centres like this plays a vital role. Thousands of young people are already enjoying the experiences offered by youth work - whether that's through a youth group, their local football team or one of the uniformed organisations.
"Activities like this can compliment what's going on at school and sometimes provide an alternative way to learn and achieve for young people who don't get on well in formal education. We know that getting involved boosts confidence, builds life experience and leadership abilities, and equips them with important skills that will stay with them for life.
"These experiences enrich young people's lives. That is why we want to hear from them, youth workers and anyone else with an interest on how we can build on the opportunities that already exist and get more young people more involved."
@Home Centre Manager Jim Paterson was there when Flood of Red first got together. He said:
"This project gave Flood of Red a start. They had somewhere to rehearse, and learn to play their instruments. It was a platform for them to go on to bigger and better things but I know they will never forget their roots."
The centre opened in response to young people's calls for better services in the area. Since then, it has become a haven for local musicians, offering free rehearsal and recording space, gigs and even a radio station.
The consultation paper, response booklet and questionnaire for young people are available at www.scotland.gov.uk/youthworkstrategy or www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations.
The consultation period runs until November 1, 2006.
The @Home Centre was opened in April 2001 as North Lanarkshire's first dedicated youth facility. The centre is open six days a week and provides a range of activities for young people, including music rehearsal and recording, TV production, radio station, dance and fitness classes, access to PCs and the internet, sports, health advice and counselling, live music events, drama, drop-in and social areas and information services.