Heard
We want to make sure children and young people's ideas and experiences will be HEARD, listened to and acted upon
Young people have told us:
- “I think being heard is a key aspect of youth work. I feel heard when I can give my opinion, and someone really listens.”
- “Young people’s views need to be listened to. We have ideas for the things that need to be improved or changed.”
- “I’d be up for trying to speak to politicians. Speaking directly to them would be a way to make a change.”
The recent by-election for the Scottish Youth Parliament is one way where our young people are making their voices heard and advocating for change. Read more about it here.
Case study: Recharge Youth Reps
Recharge in Tranent is one group offering young people opportunities to have their voices heard and make a positive impact in their community, as their Youth Reps explain: "We meet weekly at Recharge Youth Centre in Tranent. We help shape what happens at Recharge and come up with ideas to improve our community. We’ve volunteered at Fa’side Community Kitchen, run fundraising events, and made an animation about children’s rights and life in East Lothian. We’ve even spoken to councillors and at the Area Partnership about things that matter to us—like parks, lighting, school, and places to hang out. Being part of the group has helped us learn more about our community and the issues that affect it. Most of us feel more confident now and are better at speaking up for what we believe in."
Recharge runs youth forums for ages 12 -14 and 15–18. The youth forums will work together, offering peer support to help each other on their participation journey. Find out more about Recharge: https://rechargetranent.org.uk/