The report, presented to the Communities Committee, highlights a year-long programme of youth engagement from August 2024 to August 2025. It shows how young people have been involved in decisions about playparks, safety, and local services.

Young people were consulted through workshops, school visits, competitions, and online surveys. Their views helped shape 20 Local Development Programme (LDP) projects, over £1.5 million was invested in communities including new playparks, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), and also a memorial project.

In total, 1,050 young people took part in 77 workshops, while more than 1,100 children entered “Design-a-Sign” competitions to name and design signs for new play areas.

Councillor Jim Reddin, vice-convener of the communities committee said: “This work is not just about listening—it’s about acting on what young people tell us. Their ideas are helping to shape safer, more inclusive, and better-connected communities.

“For example, young people also helped to shape the new Community Safety Strategy for 2025–2030. Over 400 young people gave their views on safety in their areas, with issues like anti-social behaviour, drugs, and unsafe areas near water raised.

“It shows our strong commitment to involving young people in decisions that affect their lives and we will continue to involve young people in community planning and decision-making.”

During a Senior Conference Day at St Aidan’s High School, Wishaw, pupils took part in a workshop run by the Community Partnership Team. They learned about the Local Development Programme (LDP), which helps improve local areas, and explored how they can share ideas and influence future projects.

Pupils also got involved in a Participatory Budgeting project through the Northern Corridor Community Board’s Children and Young People priority. At Chryston High School, 207 pupils voted on how to spend £10,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Mental health was chosen as the top priority.

Since then, pupils have taken part in activities such as paddleboarding and First Aid training, helping them build resilience and gain new skills.

Some of the young people later shared their experiences and insights with members of the Communities Committee, highlighting the positive impact of being involved in local decision-making.

Young people were fully engaged in the new pump track in Bellshill which has helped to promote positive activities and reduce anti-social behaviour.

And in Cumbernauld, young people identified a need for more facilities in Carbrain. This is now being explored as a potential project. Meanwhile, in Kilsyth and villages, two major youth events were held in response to concerns raised by young people.

Some even gained Saltire Awards and worked towards SQA qualifications through volunteering at events like Airdrie’s Winter Warmer and Christmas Appeal.