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2. National Structures
The Scottish Executive funds YouthLink Scotland to provide national support to the youth work sector. There are clearly challenges in representing and supporting a wide range of interests, and different opinions on how best to achieve that.
The Executive also provides national infrastructure support for voluntary organisations working with young people. It provides funding for specific resources to support work in the sector, such as the anti-sectarian resource Don't Give It, Don't Take It. We recognise the valuable support provided by the headquarters of voluntary organisations, for example in setting standards for provision, providing training, processing disclosure checks and arranging insurance provision. Considerable effort is involved in delivering these important services and we are keen to help organisations work together to ease the administrative burden.
Q8: What type of support is needed at national level to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people at a local level?
Q9: Do you have any views on how YouthLink Scotland can best support and represent the range of youth work providers?
Q10: How can we help national youth work organisations to work more with each other to share good practice, build capacity and make best use of their resources?
Case Study: Active Scottish Centres' Outdoor Learning Services 
A youth work approach delivering outdoor activities can develop young people's confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and leadership skills as well as boosting their physical activity.
The Scottish Centres believe in the potential of outdoor learning for all young people. They work with group leaders to provide exciting and fun programmes, which reflect the needs and abilities of every group. They actively aim to develop in young people the values highlighted in A Curriculum for Excellence - successful learners, responsible citizens, effective contributors and confident individuals.
The active pursuits on offer have benefited many groups, including the following:
- School groups including the 'transition programme' for young people moving from primary to secondary.
- Youth groups looking for challenges and opportunities to develop teamwork skills. The Shawhead Go Girls group leader commented: "They pushed themselves to the limit and thoroughly enjoyed it."
- Groups of young people from social inclusion programmes or at risk of drifting into crime. They worked with the Bridging the Gap project for 13-15 year olds from Glenrothes to develop a residential programme which would boost confidence and self-esteem and independent living skills.
- Groups of young people with special needs including Tourette Scotland and the Haemophilia Society.
"I enjoyed the pole climb best because I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but managed it no bother!"
3rd year student
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