In May, the Orkney Youth Local Action Group (YLAG) came together to reflect on the past year, review their priorities and objectives, and plan for the year ahead.
It has been a busy year for the YLAG:
- In February, three members attended the Rural Youth Action Network residential in Inverness, where they met with counterparts from other Scottish YLAGs and officials from council areas interested in establishing their own groups.
- Following the residential, YLAG member Iona Dundas joined the Advisory Board for the first European Rural Youth Parliament, held in October in Inverurie. Iona attended both the European Rural Parliament and the European Youth Parliament alongside fellow YLAG member Jocelyn Downes and staff from Voluntary Action Orkney and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
- One of the Group's key priorities over the past few years has been improving playpark provision, particularly for children and young people with additional access needs. Over the last 18 months, members have met with council officials, community groups and others to advocate for inclusive equipment in new and upgraded playparks. To date, the YLAG has awarded £9,000 to support projects making inclusive play accessible to all children in Orkney.
Looking ahead, the YLAG plans to continue supporting groups and projects that align with its values while developing more of its own initiatives. Building on a free stationery scheme launched at Stromness Academy, the Group aims to expand the project to help ease the cost of the school day for young people across Orkney. Plans are also being developed to provide further support for peers affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Young people's mental health remains another key priority. In time, the YLAG hopes to establish peer support groups while working alongside existing initiatives, such as the Youth Café, to strengthen the support already available.
Being part of the YLAG is also an opportunity to grow as a young leader. In August, the Group will welcome Orkney's newest MSP, Kristopher Leask, to discuss the importance of young people taking on leadership roles. Members are also keen to visit Shetland to learn from youth-led community projects and from Ability Shetland, whose work promotes inclusivity and accessibility across a wide range of activities.
The YLAG recently reviewed its mission statement, which now reads:
Orkney YLAG exists to make Orkney a better place for children, young people, and young families. We develop and deliver our own projects as well as supporting others. Our priorities are:
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Supporting all ages of young people
- Local benefits, particularly focused on rural communities
- Unique and innovative projects
- Supporting good physical health and mental wellbeing
If this sounds interesting, the YLAG is welcoming new members aged 16–30 who live in, or have their home base in, Orkney. They are also keen to hear from organisations and projects that share its priorities.
Voluntary Action Orkney's Youth Development Coordinator, Eilidh Wilkinson facilitates the YLAG. For more information, contact Orkney YLAG through its Facebook page or use the form below.
