Safe spaces for youth theme to be explored

Yarmouth Recreation and the Yarmouth YMCA are teaming up to host an International Youth Day event.

The United Nation’s designated day is Sunday, Aug. 12. The theme for this designated day is ‘ Safe Spaces for Youth.’

Trish McCourt, centre manager for the YMCA, says they are putting on a youth leadership training session that day. Part of the day will include a discussion about the different aspects of creating safe spaces for youth.

The United Nations has broken down the safe spaces issue, encouraging people, groups and organizations to explore and discuss what safe spaces are, why they are necessary and to look at the types of spaces: civic, public, digital and physical.

The United Nations says safe spaces can be defined as platforms where youth can come together and freely express themselves and engage in activities related to their diverse needs and interests and participate in decision-making processes. Available and accessible physical or virtual spaces, the UN says, can help youth feel valued and advance their cognitive, emotional and social skills as they transition into adulthood.

McCourt says they’ve invited some local organizations to take part, including Laing House, Brilliant Labs, Schools Plus, and Kidzact.

Misty James, community recreation coordinator with Yarmouth Recreation, says the youth leadership aspect component of the day also fits in well with goals Yarmouth Recreation has for an After the Bell program that will involve local youth.