Following on from the success of workshops run during the sixth-year Induction Conference at Aidan’s High School, young people were invited to attend the Communities Committee in the council chambers.

They spoke about their experience of engaging with the Community Partnership Team to:

• elected members
• conveners
• Members of Parliament
• senior council staff 

The workshops facilitated by the Community Partnership Officers for Wishaw and Shotts focused on the Local Development Programme (LDP). The young people participated in interactive workshops that included exercises to identify the steps taken within the LDP projects, and a scenario exercise involving identifying Who and How to consult on a range of projects like play areas, heritage, MUGAs and Welcome Walls. 

In the last activity young people were requested to provide ideas and suggestions for potential future LDP projects in the area they live. Some great suggestions for future projects were put forward by young people including more:

• accessible nature trails and local greenspaces
• murals to deter graffiti
• CCTV and community safety projects in locations where young people feel unsafe

Other great suggestions included upgraded play facilities and MUGAs with options for additional sports to be played.

The young people took the opportunity at the Communities Committee to explain that one of the main positives from these workshops was to learn that young people like them:

• are listened to by the council
• have an input to projects in their communities and
• can help to make these decisions that affect them

They found the workshops interesting and that working with the Community Partnership Officers was a positive experience, learning that they have a voice and a part to play in local community planning. More importantly, that as part of their communities, young people have an opinion and a say in decision-making processes.

The young people did a great job speaking at the chambers and were very articulate in answering all the questions put to them by Elected Members, reporting afterwards that they really enjoyed the experience. This gave them the opportunity to provide their opinions and views when asked questions by elected members ensuring the voice of young people was heard where it needed to be.