Last weekend, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) led the way at a Residential focused on shaping bold, youth-driven ideas ahead of a much-anticipated meeting with Scotland’s First Minister and his Cabinet.
The Cabinet Meeting with Children and Young People (Cabinet Takeover) is held annually, providing MSYPs and Members of the Children’s Parliament (MCPs) with the opportunity to engage directly with some of the most senior politicians in the country.
Like the Executive Takeover earlier this year in June, MSYPs came together over a two-day Residential to explore the issues most affecting young people across Scotland. Since the upcoming Cabinet Takeover is part of a two-year cycle, MSYPs first reflected on what’s been achieved so far in terms of tackling issues surrounding youth work, mental health, and gender-based violence, and what steps should be taken.
Further information on SYP’s three wide-reaching projects can be found here.
Jack Anderson, MSYP for Dundee City East and SYP Trustee, commented:
Residentials offer a safe space for MSYPs to further explore the topics we’ve been campaigning on and develop solid, youth-led proposals to take to the Cabinet Takeover – one of the most important events in SYP’s calendar.
What struck me most about this Residential was the energy in the room – I was surrounded by young people who truly understand what needs to be done to make Scotland the best place to grow up, as well as how to get there.
Residentials are a testament to how seriously young people take this work, and how determined they are to lead the conversations around policymaking in Scotland.
Rajsee Saraf, MSYP for Glasgow Pollok and SYP Trustee, said:
The Residential was very engaging and creative. I enjoyed getting to know everyone better and seeing our draft plans come together. I can’t wait to see how this further develops.
As part of the activities for the Residential, MSYPs visited a Youth Centre in Niddrie, where they developed life skills through a series of games and programmes. From building structures made from spaghetti and marshmallows to playing ball games, the occasion offered a unique opportunity for them to meet young people aged 5 – 14 – everyone had a chance to decide on one key thing they would change if they were the First Minister for a day, with answers ranging from ‘no school on Monday’ to ‘no school on Friday and ‘free homes for everybody.’
The Cabinet Takeover will take place in November, with further details to be shared on our website closer to the time.
