Putting young people first

Organisations that support young people have come together for Renfrewshire’s first ever youth work networking event.

The Renfrewshire Youth Work Network brought together partners from the council’s youth services team.

They were able to share ideas on tackling the big issues facing young people today.

Jim Sweeney MBE, chief executive of Youthlink Scotland, was the keynote speaker at the event.

He said:“It was great to come to Renfrewshire and meet all the youth workers who give of their time and their self to improving young people’s opportunities and life chances.

“Youth work is a critical component that supports young people reach their full potential.

“It reaches young people in a different way from formal learning and is delivered in partnership with the young people themselves.”

Mental health, supporting youth voice and proposals around a central youth hub were just some of the topics discussed at the event.

Young people’s role in Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 and the Year of Young People 2018 were discussed and there was also time to talk about training, resources and accessing funding for youth initiatives.

It is hoped the meeting will become a regular event.

Renfrewshire Council’s convener of education and children’s services, Councillor Jim Paterson, added:“The first-ever Renfrewshire Youth Work Network was a great opportunity for anyone who works in youth organisations and agencies to come together and showcase good practice delivered across Renfrewshire for young people.

“The event helped youth work practitioners see what we can do better together and how a partnership approach can benefit young people.”

 For more information on Renfrewshire Council’s youth services team, email youth@ renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 889 1110.