Praise for youth group’s efforts
A youth group’s bid to tackle mental health stigma has just missed out on a national education award.
The South Ayrshire Youth Forum ( SAYF) was recognised for its work in the ‘ Say It Out LOUD’ campaign. The hugely successful initiative reached the final three in the ‘ Year of Young People Participation’ category at this year’s Scottish Education Awards. Working with staff from South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran, the youth forum created its campaign to underline mental health issues and promote mental wellbeing in young people. They have worked to deliver t raining, focus groups and consultations to raise the profile of the issue. The SAYF nomination highlighted the development of a wellbeing resource pack for youth groups and the use of self- help apps. The forum is also working with parents and carers to produce a mental wellbeing leaflet and researching how to set up an online chat resource. Jessica Hartshorn, chairwoman of the forum, said: “The Scottish Education Awards was an amazing opportunity for South Ayrshire and the youth forum. “As a finalist we are highlighting the importance of our work across Scotland and beyond. “It was a brilliant opportunity to be part of the event. We were so proud to make it to the finals out of so many nominations.” Councillor William Grant, youth champion for South Ayrshire Council, added: “Well done to the young people and staff from the council’s community learning and development team for all their hard work; getting to the finals is a remarkable achievement. “The South Ayrshire Youth Forum is passionate about giving young people a voice and through them we learn a lot about what affects people growing up in South Ayrshire. “I know the ‘ Say It Out LOUD’ initiative will go from strength during the Year of Young People and beyond.”