2009 Annual Youth Report

By Lilias Snedden, Youth Worker

Personal Development

I am now in my third year at ICC studying BA Youth work with Applied Theology at the International Christian College Glasgow.  University has proved to be a positive experience for me as youth worker within St Andrew’s as youth work is now becoming more focused.  Networking with other youth workers is of benefit allowing sharing of ideas.

Our Purpose

Here in St Andrews Parish Church, Bo’ness we continually aim to develop the potential of young people by identifying and developing their gifts.  In our continuing development of Youth work within St Andrews Parish Church we work on and continue to develop a three-prong strategy for the Youth Work we carry out.  Working within local, national and international strands.

 

Youth Strategy  

As part of our continual development of Youth Work within St Andrew’s Parish Church we have now developed a Social Outreach Department.  This Department is made up of our Youth Worker, Family Worker, Dementia Group and Councillor.  We have developed a holistic strategy encompassing all these areas of work as well as continuing to work through the already developed youth strategy.  The new name for the Youth project which the young people came up with is AVENUE.

Partnership links have been built on between Bo’ness Academy, Barnardo’s Family Centre, the Social work Department, Falkirk Council Youth Team and the local Community Police.  I am now in a position to offer work experience to young people, through the various groups, which are operating from the Church.  I have been invited to sit in on Social work Team meetings informing the Social Workers about the work carried out within St Andrew’s and the opportunities we can offer young people.  The Community Police officers allow me to accompany them on their Anti Social Behaviour Patrols this allows me to meet with young people who are hanging around the streets of Bo’ness.

 

Youth Team

The Youth Team has continued to grow. The group of young people who helped organise Valley FM are joining the Youth Team.  They have seen a real benefit in being part of a project where they feel valued and their ideas are used, but also where they are not judged when mistakes happen.  The existing Youth Team members are supporting the newer members.  This team is working towards bringing young people from India to Bo’ness, and then will be part of the team returning to India in 2011.  This team are also responsible for the VNU (new name for Youth Café), which meets on a Friday evening.  They are looking through various themes and activities so they begin to take responsibility for the evening, organising tuck, organising activities, volunteers, opening and closing of the hall.

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VNU

VNU has had a face lift.  We now have a resident DJ who is a young man who used to attend the Youth Café a few years ago he provides the music for the evening.  The Youth Team has introduced health drinks and looking at a health tuck-shop.  The Youth Team have introduced a re-cycling system for the cans and bottles.  The Community Police officers make regular visits to VNU fostering good relationships between young people and the police. 

 

 

Community Groups

Young people have been attending the Bo’ness Safety Group and Bo’ness Community Council.  The Youth Team have also met with the Bo’ness Community with the aim of having young people represented on the Community Council.

The Community Police Sergeant is eager to hear young peoples thoughts about Bo’ness. He is eager to have conversations with young people who are not constantly getting into trouble. 

 

 

Radio Academy/Academy Television

Radio Academy is continuing during lunch break within Bo’ness Academy.  This year there are a specific group of 2nd year pupils being a bit problematic during school. However these same pupils are now assisting with Radio Academy giving them a chance to do something that they really enjoy.  Many of the presenters on Valley FM our local Community Radio Station are young people who enjoy working on Radio Academy.  Radio Academy is now being developed as Academy television using the skills learned through the radio.  Academy Television will encourage more input from various departments within the school.

 

St Andrew’s Liaison Group

Forward planning for the new session of the Academy is looking at ways we can work with pupils who are misbehaving in school and are on part time timetables.  Discussions have taken place with Pupil Support and ILC (integrated Learning Community) to begin to look at what St Andrew’s Social Outreach group can offer young people.  As a result regular meetings are taking place with Pupil Support, ILC, Senior Management of Bo’ness Academy.  Also Barnardo’s the local Family Centre.  These meetings are to share resources, information and see ways where gaps can be filled.

Valley FM 2009

Valley FM broadcast live, 7am – 12midnight 10 days before the local Children’s Fair Festival.  This is our 4th year of broadcasting.  We now have a group of people who listen from around the world, especially on the Bo’ness Children’s Fair Festival.

We worked in partnership with the Central Scotland Racial Equality Council who works with young people who have been racially abused.  This group met up with the committee and presenters they shared experiences live on air.

 

 

Morning Club

The Morning Club was established in January 2009.  Through conversations with two young people who worked on Radio Academy, it became clear that their attendance at school and punctuality was not good.  After speaking to the Head teacher it was agreed that a Morning Club should be started within St Andrew’s Parish Church.  The two young people became extremely focused and worked hard at encouraging young people to attend the school.  Homework not being completed was a major issue.  We try and make sure that if young people are struggling with homework this can be completed in the Morning Club time.  Older members of the community volunteer to help encouraging inter-generational work.  All the time encouraging young people to see the benefits of completing their homework on time.  The Morning Club received recognition award of achievement for contribution to the community from Falkirk Council. 

 

NATIONAL

Deep Impact
I led two seminars at the Deep Impact Youth Workers Conference this year.  One on the India Youth Exchange the other informing people how to start a radio station. 

Alton Towers

Our annual trip Alton Towers both proved very popular this year again. 

 

INTERNATIONAL

India Team
4 young people form India are now planning a trip to visit Scotland. This will hopefully take place in September 2009.  The aim of this visit is to learn of Scottish Culture.  Visit projects that are helping support families and young people  Hopefully empowering the young Indian People to make changes within their communities. 

 

 

May I take this opportunity to say thank you very much to Lloyds TSB for the continued support over the last few years.  Your funding has enabled us to offer young people opportunities that they may not have had.  Also encouraging young people to take part in their community and beyond.

Lilias Snedden

 

New Youth Website

In March 2010 the new Avenue website will be launched with information on all the Avenue Youth activities:

  • VNU
  • Valley FM 2010
  • Platform
  • India Youth Exchange
  • Radio Academy
  • Academy TV
  • Morning Club