Crichton Foundation and Regional Economy Partnership discussed at latest Dumfries & Galloway Youth Advisory Forum meeting
On Monday 25 November, members of the Dumfries & Galloway Youth Advisory Forum met.
They were joining by SOSE staff including:
- Melissa Gunn, Youth and Employability Manager
- Garry Legg, Head of Strategy, Planning and Partnerships
- Frances Woodifeld, Learning and Skills Strategy Manager
- Elizabeth McKee, Secretariat Support Officer for the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership
- Dave Roberts, Vice-Convener of the Crichton Foundation.
This was Hamish’s first consultation meeting, having joined the Forum with Jameson the previous month, it was great to have Hamish at this meeting.
Crichton Foundation
Darrie, Lewis, Jake, Michael, Hannah, Jameson and Hamish discussed with Dave ways in which the Crichton Foundation could raise their profile as a charitable organisation with a younger audience.
They talked about the barriers that they and other young people face, or have faced, in accessing educational and training opportunities in the region, particularly around transport and variety of provision.
The group had a good discussion with Dave about the work the Crichton Foundation do and opportunities on how the charity could promote itself to a wider audience across Dumfries and Galloway.
The YAF also gave some constructive feedback on the organisation’s website, specifically around accessibility, and the ease of reading and finding information. Dave can now report this feedback to the rest of the Trustees and look at making some positive changes to their website.
It was great to see the partnership working with Dave from the Crichton Foundation and the YAF members and we are excited to work with Dave the trustees going forward.
Hamish and Jameson delivered presentations to the group as part of their assessed tasks towards gaining their Participative Democracy Certificate Qualification.
Hamish did his presentation on the Creative Industries in the South, and Jameson covered Community Development. Both included additional research they conducted with other young people.
Regional Economic Partnership
The second part of the evening was spent discussing how the voice of young people is best represented on the Regional Economic Partnership (REP), which included a presentation from Garry.
The Forum had an open discussion with Garry about what would be appropriate youth representation on the REP.
There was so much positive feedback and discussion on the night that the Forum will continue these talks with Garry with further recommendations.
Another great meeting to listen to the valuable views and guidance from our young members, thank you to everyone who came along - see you at the next one!