SOSE Youth Advisory Forum

We are recruiting!

We’re calling on Young People to help Shape the South of Scotland

Young people should be at the heart of decisions shaping the South of Scotland. This is your region and your future - and the Youth Advisory Forum is here to make sure your voice counts.

Are you aged 16 – 25 years old living or from Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders?

Do you want to make a difference in your local community, meet new people and gain real life experience working on regional and national projects?

Our Youth Advisory Forum is expanding, and we are looking for new voices to join us and be the change you want to see right here in the South of Scotland.

What is the SOSE Youth Advisory Forum?

We launched our Forum in 2023, and it is a supportive, inclusive space for young people to influence the real decisions that are happening in our region right now. We know that young people are the future, and we cannot make these decisions without you.

If you join the Forum, you’ll work with SOSE to:

- Help create better spaces for young people to live, work and have fun in your community
- Share your views and shape public strategies
- Impact decision makers in education, climate, food, jobs and more,
- Contribute to regional and national policies that directly impact you and your friends
- Influence funding for local projects that support young people in the South of Scotland

You don’t need any experience; we just need your ideas and curiosity to contribute to the conversation. Melissa Gunn, SOSE’s Youth and Employability Manager who leads the Forum will support you every step of the way.

What you’ll get as part of the Forum:

Your voice will be heard - Decision makers at a local and national level are using the Forum to engage young people in big conversations that will have an impact on your future, you’ll get the chance to impact the outcomes

Training - You’ll receive training in real life skills that you’ll use throughout your career, from leadership training to confidence building, social media and more

Mentorship and New Opportunities - if there is something you want to get involved in while you are part of the Forum, we can link you up with mentors and help you gain experience

Networking - Collaborate with like-minded young people across the region and socialise at our meet ups

Support with Access - We’ll cover all your travel and accessibility costs for attending our meet ups

Real World Experience - Work on live projects and consultations that are happening in the real world right now