Region’s youth want safer towns and hubs

Demands delivered to councillors this week

Young people in Perth and Kinross have called on the council to provide safer town centres and parks, more dedicated youth facilities and clearer information on cost of living support.

The requests represent three key priorities of the first ever Young Person’s Anti-Poverty Manifesto which was delivered to councillors this week.

They also represent a valuable insight into the mood of the region’s young people as they navigate life in Perth and Perthshire today.

Regional first

Over 300 young people, from primary school age to community groups and Perth UHI students participated in the Manifesto project which was led by Perth and Kinross Anti-Poverty Taskforce during Challenge Poverty Week.

From the responses, it is clear young people want to feel safer within improved public spaces, have access to youth-focused activities and accessible information regarding free and low cost living essentials.

Other key themes, which have led to a 6-point call for action to remove barriers young people face, include better rural buses, an easier route into first jobs and greater support on issues such as bullying and mental health.

Listen and act

“Young people represent the future of the region. It is so important their voices are heard. The first Young Person’s Anti-Poverty Manifesto has delivered their message. It is time now for local decision makers to reflect on this and ensure the key asks are built into actions,” said Perth and Kinross Anti-Poverty Taskforce Chair, Shaheena Din.

“Clearly some of the requests, like lifeline cost of living supports, need to be addressed at Scottish Government level but we need to ensure we are moving ahead on the things that that can be delivered locally. Young people want to reach the places and services they need, form connections in spaces which are safe and welcoming. They want their concerns to be taken seriously, and they want to see a route into learning and work. They want practical, local solutions.”

The Manifesto launch

Rural Perthshire challenges

In developing the Manifesto, participants were asked for three suggestions to make Perth and Kinross fairer for children, young people and families.

Twenty one percent, in both urban and rural areas, spoke of the need for more youth-focused activities such as youth hubs, late opening spaces, covered outdoor areas and places to go in winter.

Councillors have been tasked with mapping current provision and identifying where provision could be better, co-designing pilots with young people and exploring solutions such as facility sharing.

Fifteen percent of young people want more affordable school and college meals and improved sign-posting to local services which assist with the cost of food and basics.

Fourteen percent want to see improvements to public spaces, with greater safety measures such as better lighting and safe routes as well as clearer ways to report problems such as anti-social behaviour.

Young people would also like to see less litter and broken glass, more bins, toilets and better maintenance to make public environments spaces they can feel proud of.

Inadequate bus services to rural towns and villages, which can prevent people from accessing work, health appointments and activities, were highlighted, with decision makers asked to work with Scottish Government and transport providers to fill gaps.

Local support into work and more active help to tackle bullying and enhance young people’s mental wellbeing all featured in the six key asks to decision makers.

Young people delivered the Manifesto in person

Pledge on action

Council Leader Eric Drysdale welcomed the Manifesto and promised action, alongside partners.

“Young people are at the heart of our communities, and it is vital their voices are heard,” he said, stating the council had transformed local transport last month with a £1m commitment to help residents get to work, study and medical appointments.

The Council leader said it would be a ‘continuing priority’ to tackle anti-social behaviour and pledged to explore the possibility of more dedicated youth hubs.

“By listening to young people and families and working alongside our partners, we can make sure our efforts are focused where they can make the greatest difference and give every young person in Perth and Kinross the opportunity to fulfil their potential,” he added.