The YLAG empowers young people to be the decision makers, through putting money towards a particular problem, issue or youth projects. All members of the group are below the age of 35 and come from a variety of Orkney-based backgrounds.
The group has 3 main functions:
- to give young people a voice
- to distribute funding to projects that benefit and build up children and young people
- to develop the members as young people involved in their community
We facilitate this group by:
- arranging meetings and activities for the group
- producing promotional materials and monthly roundups for the members
- helping to organise projects and run funding programmes.
Voice
In 2024/25, the YLAG was involved in the wider Rural Youth Action Network (RYAN), which provided some new opportunities for the young people. Anja, one of the members, said:
Through the YLAG I got to travel to Inverness to attend the RYAN residential and meet new people from around rural areas in Scotland and discuss important issues.
Another member, Iona said:
I have gotten more opportunities, e.g. attending the RYAN event and being a part of the ERYP (European Rural Youth Parliament) Advisory Board, both of which I wouldn't have known existed, let alone participated in, without YLAG.
Funding
The YLAG ran a funding programme in December 2024. There was £24,575 of revenue funding was available. Out of 10 applications from community groups for youth projects, 9 were successful. They were:
Group Name | Project | Amount |
Connect | Film Club | £2000 |
Inclusive Orkney | Family Sessions (term-time) | £2040 |
Orkney Blide Trust | Skills to Grow | £3190 |
Orkney Charitable Trust | Kirkwall Families Community Wellbeing Project | £5200 |
Orkney Youth Café | Cosy Conversations | £1500 |
Stromness Museum | Buoyancy in Uncertain Times | £8726 |
Stronsay Development Trust | Stronsay Youth Summit | £5000 |
West Mainland Youth Achievement Group | Warm Spaces | £450 |
Women’s Aid Orkney | Art Group | £1000 |
The total amount applied for was greater than then funding available. The YLAG used their allocation of Crown Estate funding to fully fund all projects.
Women’s Aid Orkney applied for money to start an art group as part of the Children and Young People’s (CYP) Service. Debbie Ralph, WAO CYP worker, said:
The YLAG funding has been a great benefit to our CYP service. We used the money to purchase art, printing and journalling supplies. We were able to get really good quality products that would otherwise not have been possible within our own budget. We have been able to use these items in CYP group workshops and one-to-one sessions and we have been able to offer new art therapeutic techniques to our CYP.
Karen Bevan applied for funding for the West Mainland Youth Achievement Group. She said:
With the funding from YLAG the West Mainland Youth Achievement Group were able to plan and run two 'warm space' cafe events. The group were able to provide 2 free events, which allowed the group to experience volunteering and to see the value of engaging in community events. With each event their confidence grew and they were eager to take on new tasks, each member of the group, no matter the involvement, showed real commitment and took ownership of the project. Throughout the project they learnt new practical skills and pushed themselves out of their comfort zone.
As well as funding other projects, the YLAG also funded their own project over summer and autumn 2024. They identified the impact of the cost-of-living crisis as an issue they would like to try and address. The group chose to help to expand a stationery ‘pop-up’ shop run by Stromness Academy which provides donated stationery supplies to pupils who were unable to purchase their own. The YLAG bought a stock of bags and stationery items that were handed out to pupils from Stromness Academy and students attending UHI Orkney.
The young people of the YLAG also gained from being involved in these funding programmes, both in the experience of reading and scoring applications, and in feeling more involved in the community. One of the YLAG members Aurelia said:
Seeing the result of the projects we've funded in the community is amazing, it makes you feel like you've made a real difference. A huge highlight for me is how youth-led the YLAG is. Everything we say is listened to and actioned where possible… The YLAG also inspired me to get involved with more funding opportunities. I was part of the Corra Foundation independent human rights fund for Scotland in 2024. The YLAG is awesome and I'm really glad to be part of it.
Development
A variety of activities were organised for members of YLAG, designed to help them grow both as individuals and as a group, while developing practical, transferable skills.
In September, members participated in a First Aid demonstration evening, where they had the chance to learn and practice essential First Aid techniques. Following the session, they shared a meal with the trainer, creating a relaxed setting for further discussion. Many of the young people had friends or family members with complex medical needs, so this was a valuable opportunity to ask questions and seek advice in an informal, supportive environment.
