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International Youth Day 2023

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Today, on International Youth Day 2023, the Scottish Youth Parliament has published our new report on the impact of youth work on MSYPs, ‘Youth Work and Me’.

In our report, we show that all MSYPs agreed that ‘youth work changes lives’, but two thirds of MSYPs said they don’t know where to find out about youth work opportunities.

Ellie Craig MSYP, Vice Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament said:

SYP’s new ‘Youth Work and Me’ report shows the importance of the youth work and community learning sector across Scotland and the impact it has on young people.

As part of our research for our ‘From Scotland’s Young People’ manifesto in the run up to the 2021 election, 75% of young people we spoke with said local youth work should be invested in by national and local government and protected by law from budget cuts.

The Scottish Government should now prioritise funding for youth work and work with young people and the sector to implement a new strategy to deliver the vital services youth work provides.

Ellie Craig MSYP, Vice Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament

One Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament said:

“It’s allowed me to grow as a person and feel valued – given me a chance to explore opportunities that I would never have dreamed of before.”

– Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament

People aged between 12 and 25 across Scotland can now stand to become a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament. SYP’s election process is currently underway and young people have the chance to make friends, develop skills, campaign for change and a whole lot more! Prospective candidates can register their interest by Friday 1 September on the SYP website.

You can find out more about our work and read the full report below:

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