Midlothian Youth Platform - Background

Recognising the need for greater participation in decision-making and community engagement with Midlothian’s young people, Community Learning and Development appointed a Youth Participation Worker in 2008.

One of the major tasks of the new appointee, Clare Taylor-Brown, was to re-engage young people in the Midlothian Youth Platform.

This is a constituted association of young people who meet monthly to represent their communities and organisations.

After some preliminary work, including a successful residential event, a group of young people from across Midlothian came together to kick-start the association.

Membership of the Midlothian Youth Platform promotes and provides opportunities for young people to develop a better understanding of youth participation, citizenship and democracy, by supporting young people to:

• Attend youth events
  (conferences, youth summits, Scottish Youth Parliament sittings, etc.)
• Respond to consultations
  (from local and national government and local and national organisations)
• Carry out research and present findings
  (to peers, MSPs, etc.)
• Organise youth events
  (presentations, concerts, conferences, etc.)
• Promote a positive image of young people.

Today the Youth Platform has a diverse membership of young people representing many different groups including:

• Newbattle, Dalkeith and Penicuik area Youth Forums
• The seven Midlothian secondary schools
• Black Diamond FM community radio
• Midlothian Training Services
• Programme for Alternative Vocational Education
• Y2K
• Children 1st
• Midlothian Young Carers
• Girl Guides
• Scottish Traveller Action Group.

Read about the Midlothian Youth Platform by clicking on the Midlothian Youth Participation document at the foot of this page.