The building bridges project was initiated through funding provided by Strathclyde Police and with the aim of building positive relationships between members of the three emergency services(Fire, Ambulance & Police Services) with a number of young people from all over the East End SIP Area of Glasgow. The main objective of the project was to break down the barriers that appear to exist between young people and the emergency services highlighting to both parties each other�s needs, views and opinions.
The young people involved were aged between 12 and 17 years and the projects activities were all outdoor educational activities which promoted mutual understanding and teambuilding. After the initial icebreaker evening the following activities were undertaken:
- Visit to Bearsden Ski Centre
- Visit to Glasgow Climbing Centre
- Visit to Outward Bound Centre, Loch Eil (4 day Residential Programme)
- Hillwalking Day facilitated by Drumchapel Adventure Group
The aim of the Scottish Gas Youth Challenge was to identify and support groups of young people (12-18 years old) from the Dalmarnock area, and encourage them to participate in a programme of group work activities, workshops and events. These promote healthy living and the development of social skills, self-esteem and personal development. As part of the personal development, the programme hopes to enhance the employment and training skills of each individual taking part.
The project identified five key themes and the young people developed a programme in accordance with the issues and ideas they related to these themes.
One of the needs that young people identified was the need for training in dealing with interviews and CV writing. In response to this the DYP staff organised two CV and Interview Skills workshops per group, which were facilitated by staff from New Directions.
The workshops covered the following areas:
- What opportunities are out there?
- What do employers look for?
- How do employers select people for interview?
- The interview: good or bad?
Another need identified by the groups, was the need for training in specific skills ie apprenticeships, training schemes etc. This led the DYP staff to the College of Building and Printing, (Bridgeton Campus) Glasgow.
The College of Building and Printing staff consulted with DYP staff and came up with a training in trades course called Working with Crafts and Tools. The course was one evening a week, for five weeks and covered the basics of three trades (plastering, joinery and bricklaying). This was an excellent opportunity for the young people to get an insight into these trades and help them decide if this is the career path that they would like to take.
The college lecturer teaching the group has acknowledged the very high standard of competence of all the group members. It is therefore hoped that individual group members may go on and undertake further courses in construction or find employment within the trades.
This facility has remained and developed as an important local youth service, and has recently expanded to cover a Monday night Drop-In evening for 9-12 year olds. The securing of additional SIP funding has enabled this facility to be better resourced with an increased staffing level. The Drop-In has continued to be a valued asset to young people. Workshops have taken place which have involved: interview skills, help with job applications and CVs, alcohol awareness, a variety of arts & crafts activities, and cooking and baking food for the tuck shop.
Average attendance:
Tuesday Drop-In (12-14 year Olds): 10 Young People
Thursday Drop-In (14 -17 year Olds): 15 Young People
The Young Women�s Group has had a busy year. After Eileen departed for Africa, the group was then supported by two of our new youth workers: Naomi and Laura. After a settling-in period, the group discussed their future programme of activities and enjoyed a Christmas meal at the Cha restaurant in Glasgow.
In February and March, they took part in a series of workshops that used roleplay and drama to help the group develop confidence and self-esteem. We would like to thank Mhila Brown, the workshop facilitator who created an atmosphere of trust between herself and the group, thus enabling the girls to fully participate in and enjoy the benefits of the workshop programme.
Members of the group throughout April-June planned, fundraised and organised a residential weekend at Wiston Lodge.
Five members of the DYP Girls Group and two members of staff went on this two-day residential. Wiston is a small village set in the Upper Clyde Valley near Biggar. We departed the DYP on Friday 6th June at 6pm, arriving at Lanark train station around 7pm. There we met Becky, our loyal student supporter, who drove us to the nearby Wiston lodge.
During the journey from the train station to Wiston Lodge the girls were very excited. Several comments were made about the various animals we say, with everyone going very �cooey� at the sight of the newborn lambs. However, some members had slightly more distasteful thoughts about the activities of some animals!
At eight o� clock, tired but excited, we sat down for our evening meal of baked potatoes with various fillings. This resulted in some disappointment as the girls realised it was not chips from Mario�s. Workers were informed rather abruptly by some members of the group that they do not like potatoes! However, no one went hungry as the girls made sure we had enough sweets and crisps with us to stock Asda.
Saturday morning was an early rise. We dressed quickly and went down to breakfast to ensure that we got some cereal and hot toast. There we were met by around twenty young people from a different youth project. Some quick glances and some even longer stares were exchanged as the girls complained about being kept awake through the night by certain young people in the next bedroom.
After breakfast, we headed out to the open country air. We took part in various outdoor activities, assisted by our instructor Nicky. First, the climbing wall, then the famous tree jump. Only one member of staff (who shall remain nameless), and one young person made it safely to the top. We were treated to some choice expressions from the youth worker as we dropped 30ft through the air!
Some quick refreshments and a rest followed, then we were back outside for one further activity and a walk around the grounds. During the walk we came across various farmyard animals, were chased by some chickens (although with a faithful collie named Flora to protect us, we felt relatively safe), gathered wood to make a campfire, and stepped in some pretty dodgy puddles!
By now we were pretty tired and it was time for dinner. The girls were slightly more enthusiastic about a dinner of sausage rolls and chips, although the rhubarb pie dessert caused some funny expressions and inquisitive looks!
By Saturday evening it was time to relax. The night was spent toasting marshmallows around a campfire and playing football. We retired to our rooms at eleven o� clock. Workers were asleep by five past eleven!
On Sunday morning we rose early again, showered and went down to breakfast, where we discussed what to do before lunch at 1pm. Another outdoor activity was suggested, although some light rain caused horror among the girls at the prospect of going out after washing and straightening their hair!
Sunday morning was spent in the living room watching Blazin� Squad videos and playing hangman. Then it was time for Sunday lunch: a roast dinner and ice cream. This was quickly finished off before it was time to head home.
All members of the group and workers thoroughly enjoyed our time at Wiston Lodge, and would like to thank Becky for her support in making this residential a great success.
Laura Kennedy
Youth Worker
June 2003
Chairperson's Report Treasurer's Report Senior Youth Worker's Report