As part of youth work week from 5 - 11 November Argyll and Bute Council’s Bute Youth Services have revealed an impressive and hectic programme of activities past and future to support young people on the island.

Provost Isobel Strong who is keenly interested in the work of the team, said, “The dedicated and enthusiastic members of the youth services team are working hard to bring out the very best in our young people. The huge diversity of physical, educational and recreational activities which are organised by the team encourages our young people to explore experiences and discover skills they may never have previously considered.”

With funding from the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme and in response to requests for activities during October school holidays, a group of young people was escorted to Xscape, Braehead. A free running parkour workshop was held at Rothesay Academy with an instructor who travelled from France to tutor in this military-style obstacle course training.

Bute Youth Forum’s holiday programme included off island trips and sporting activities organised with help from partners.  The forum aims to give young people on the island a greater and stronger political voice on issues and services that affect both their lives and the lives of the wider community.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award group are working towards achieving their Silver level Awards.  Taking part encourages teamwork, communication and organisation, builds confidence and develops self-esteem. 

In the future Bute Youth Services plan to establish a peer education project which will involve many local partners and the recruitment of young people as peer educators on the themes of drugs, alcohol, and smoking cessation among others.

After the success of the heavily over-subscribed driving academy the team are now, with their partners in the local 16+ Employment and Training Group looking at developing the programme, to ensure any future driving programme is better able to meet the needs of its participants.  

Coming up is a Give it a Go Day which Bute Youth Services are hosting with Adult Learning at the Moat Centre, Rothesay on 17 November. Everyone is welcome to explore the wide range of skills and services supported by youth services and the youth forum.

• If you would like more information on the work of Youth Services or would like to be involved in any of the Youth Services programmes, please contact Ann Kennovin or Rhiannon Burney on 01700 503696 during office hours or call into the Community Learning Office behind the Moat Centre, Stuart Street, Rothesay.
• The Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme takes the ill-gotten gains of crime, recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and invests them into community programmes, facilities and activities  for young people. More information at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/17141/cashback