Published
Header image for article 5197

Image shows some of the young people who were successful in a recent programme with David Mackay, Head of Education (centre back)

Hundreds of young people at risk of unemployment or not in education have benefitted from support designed to help them find an alternative route into further education, employment and training. 

The Activity Agreements programme, which has been run by Community Learning and Development (CLD) – Children’s Services since 2011, has provided 400 youngsters aged 15 to 19-year-old with bespoke learning plans to grow their knowledge, skills and confidence.

Last month, 50 youngsters completed the programme and received awards from David Mackay, Head of Education, at a ceremony held in Park street community centre Falkirk

Liz Paton, Development Officer – CLD, and Activity Agreements Operational Lead, said: “Leaving school without the necessary qualifications or experience to enter employment, training or further education can be daunting for many young people. That is why this programme has been invaluable, helping youngsters who want to gain additional skills and qualifications achieve their goals. We are extremely proud of all the young people who have taken part and benefitted from the programme.”

Over the past 12 months, the latest youngsters to be supported by the programme have developed and taken forward projects as diverse as beekeeping, seed bombing, film making, cookery, and creative writing.  In turn, many have gained awards and accreditations including the Youth Achievement  Award from the SQA and Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Four projects received special awards:

  • Celebrating Success Award - Developing an eco-garden Lauriston
  • Learning to Achieve Award – A 1940s integration and reminiscence project in partnership with Oak Bank Care Home
  • Grow Wild Award – Creating an eco and wild place garden orphan land in Lauriston
  • Litter Strategy Award – Litter Warriors

To help the young people achieve, the programme has been supported by a range of organisations including Scottish Waterways, the Council’s Litter Strategy Team and NHS.

This year, local charity Forth Environment Link became a partner, providing young people with an opportunity to work in administration and on an externally funded woodwork project to build a bench from scratch. Their hard work now provides people with somewhere to sit outside Park Street Community Centre in Falkirk town centre.

For more information on Activity Agreements, which will now be run by the Council’s Employment & Training Unit, please contact Pamela Smith 01324 506070.