More than 2,500 young people across North Lanarkshire have taken part in shaping their local communities, according to a new report by the Community Partnership Team. Young people from Chryston and St Aidan’s High Schools shared their experiences with the Communities Committee, highlighting the positive impact of being involved in local decision-making.
Across North Lanarkshire, young people were consulted through workshops, school visits, competitions and online surveys. Their views helped shape a number of Local Development Programme (LDP) projects with over £1.5 million invested in communities including new playparks, Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) and environmental projects. In addition, young people had their say on the current Community Safety Strategy 2025-2030.
Our Community Partnership Team held a Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative with S3 pupils from Chryston HS, funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). A budget of £10,000 was allocated with over 300 responses received from pupils who voted for projects within the following identified themes:
- Mental health awareness and support.
- Healthy lifestyles, choices and eating.
- Bullying, discrimination and victimisation.
The project helped addressed issues raised during a youth consultation carried out by the Community Partnership Team, with secondary-aged young people across the Northern Corridor Community Board area.
The PB process highlighted the hard work, confidence and decision-making skills of pupils and emphasised their ability to work as part of a team. Young people reported back the following benefits:
- We felt an important part of the school community.
- We decided how to spend a budget.
- We worked well as a team.
- We got to make decisions.
