Buddies

The transition period between primary school and secondary school can be a very challenging time for many young people so in order to make this process easier the Youth Agency introduced a Buddies Scheme in two local secondary schools.

The aim of the project is to train S5/S6 pupils to run and staff a buddy room, which is open every lunch time to provide a safe and comfortable area for young people to come along to and have the opportunity to build relationships with their peers, who may be facing similar issues. The S5/6 pupils benefit from the experience of providing support for their peers and working together with others, while the younger pupils have positive older role models who can help support them to address any issues they may be facing.

School Leavers

Leaving school brings a great change in the lives of young people. For many it brings a loss of routine, friends, motivation, support and ultimately identity. Young people may not yet have decided what they want to do, some have unrealistic goals and expectations and others have plans but little understanding of what is required to reach their goals. Additionally many of these young people have few opportunities of sustainable employment, training or further education. Existing support networks currently available focus on young people who have been unemployed for six months or more, leaving many young people isolated from much needed support.

School leavers are identified in partnership with schools and a core group is established, the initiative targets S4 Summer Leavers and S5 Christmas Leavers. A variety of groupwork techniques and methods are used including agency visits, group and individual development, research, group discussion, role play and group games to stimulate interest in each session. The length of the programme varies depending on the needs of the group and of the school concerned, generally the programme lasts eight weeks. Follow up support is also provided for young people once they have left school ensuring their transition does not leave them isolated from support services.

Peer Education

Peer education is a method of training that supports participants to develop and then deliver information workshops to their peers. Training is group based, challenging and fun, allowing a range of communication skills to be developed, as well as building self-confidence and self-esteem.

Young people are often more willing to listen to their peers than adults, such as parents, teachers and youth workers. A peer education approach enables young people to learn new skills and to feel empowered. This experience can lead to young people feeling respected and valued.

The purpose of the peer education project is to allow S5 and S6 pupils to develop group work skills and knowledge around the issues of alcohol, tobacco and drug use, they will then go on to develop and facilitate harm reduction workshops, which challenge existing views and promote choice on the issues surrounding drugs, alcohol and tobacco to S1 and S2 pupils in their respective schools.

The peer education project will also benefit the S1 and S2 pupils as the workshops are aimed at making them aware of the effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on themselves, their peers, and their community. From this it is hoped that the pupils raised awareness will be reflected in their choices and behaviours i.e. a reduction in ASB if under the influence.

Drug Awareness Sessions

The Youth Agency runs workshops in local primary schools for primary 7 pupils, the workshops provide a basic awareness of drugs, alcohol and tobacco misuse and the dangers associated with this. We aim to provide pupils with information that can form a basic awareness which will be built on when they take part in peer education sessions in secondary school.

Sexual Health

Youth Agency Staff are currently involved in the delivery of SHARE (Sexual Health and Relationship Education) in Wester Hailes Education Centre to S2/S3/S4 pupils and are keen to help support guidance staff, who have been recently trained, introduce the programme in Forrester High School. SHARE is a research based sex and relationships educational curriculum for 12-16 year olds aimed at promoting communication with peers, parents, and partners. The programme also includes issues associated with sexual health, provides information on issues arising from discussions and enables young people to make informed decisions regarding their own sexual health.

As well as being involved in SHARE the Youth Agency delivers a block of sexual health workshops to S6 pupils in Forrester High School aimed at providing the young people involved with information and a safe and comfortable environment to express their views and opinions.