12.11.2018
Changing attitudes to young people, making a difference in the community and improving youth mental health are just some of the projects which Scotland’s inspirational young people are tackling.
Now, the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Ken Macintosh, will meet young people from across the country to hear about what inspired them to take on these challenges and discuss how they can be given a stronger voice at Holyrood.
Part of the Scottish Parliament’s work during the Year of Young people, the visits will see the Presiding Officer meet with individuals, representatives and youth groups from all 8 regions of Scotland in their own communities and at the Parliament.
Activities will include the Presiding Officer becoming a Cub for the day, meeting with students starting a youth café as well as meeting a young carer to learn about the FAST stroke awareness model.
Speaking as the programme of visits began, the Presiding Officer said:
“We know that young people in Scotland are enthusiastic, energetic and inspirational. What I want to help to ensure is that their Parliament listens to them and that they feel able to share their experiences and stories with us. The issues that matter to the young people of Scotland matter to their Parliament and we want to hear their thoughts, views and opinions.
“Meeting young Scots in their own communities is a great chance for me to see the challenges and barriers they face on a daily basis. But it is also a great privilege for me to welcome them to Holyrood so we can show that their Parliament belongs to them.
“I am thrilled to be meeting with 8 very different groups from right across Scotland and to hearing what they have to say.”
Young people were asked to tell the Parliament what inspires them for an opportunity to come to Holyrood or for the Presiding Officer to come to them.
Following the nomination process, 8 activities were chosen by a panel including 4 young people. The chosen activities are:
Date Region Activity
9 November
South of Scotland
Meeting with bereaved young woman in Dumfries to talk about youth mental health.
12 November
North East
Meeting at Holyrood with a group of young people starting an intergenerational community café.
14 November
Mid Scotland and Fife
Meeting at Holyrood with a young carer
23 November
West
Visit to Fergulslie Park Cubs, Paisley.
5 December
Highlands and Islands
Online Q&A with Gaelic school pupils (virtual meeting)
TBC Central
Meeting with group of care experienced young people in Belshill.
TBC Glasgow
Meeting with a group of young offenders who are retraining to gain new skills.
TBC Lothian
Meeting at Holyrood Young woman interested in politics
Background
Young people were asked to nominate activities, people or places that inspire them to be in with an opportunity to come to Holyrood or for the Presiding Officer to come to them.