Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: Youth case study

What is working well?

Impacts on individuals

The most significant positive aspect of Youth Local Action Groups was the impacts on those involved in delivery. Whilst some noted the significant time and resources required to set up and sustain the groups, most participants felt that their overall impact on those involved is substantial. Many participants remarked on the personal and professional development that is gained from being involved in their group, including their awareness of rural issues, policy processes and funding distribution, as well as development of confidence and pride:

“The funding has literally made dreams come true, some big and some small. It has enabled young folk to get equipment, qualifications and experience in the things they’re passionate about and develop future careers. For me, it has improved my confidence and knowledge around funding, policy and decision-making. I have also gained a lot from attending the national [Youth Local Action Group] residentials; made new friends, improved lots of soft skills and had a lot of fun!”

Relatedly, participants showed how involvement had enabled young people to develop leadership and interpersonal skills through public speaking, event management, networking and peer learning. Participants particularly highlighted the importance of networking across different Youth Local Action Groups and the value of meeting other young people from rural and island Scotland:

“One of our group’s priorities is to provide peer-to-peer support within our membership and this has generated several internship and upskilling opportunities and even, for two members, facilitated a switch in careers, which they are very grateful for.”

“I have learnt a lot from people from islands. I have learnt a lot about people from across Scotland.”

Several respondents remarked on the importance of organisations such as Scottish Rural Action and the Rural Youth Action Network in supporting and facilitating networking amongst rural and island youth:

“They [Scottish Rural Action] are a very great team of talented people committed to change. [They have] real success at hosting Rural and Island Parliaments and have built strong networks and created traction in the rural movement. [They] put rural youth at the fore of many debates.”

Many respondents referenced the impact of direct engagement with policymakers, including visits to the Scottish Parliament, which they stated would not have happened were it not for being involved in their Youth Local Action Group. This was considered to have an impact on both national policy and their ability to play a role in their local area:

I believe it’s also shown other young people that they can have an impact and be taken seriously in decision-making."

“This [involvement in a Youth Local Action Group] has an impact on young people living rurally looking for opportunities to influence their local area and have their voices heard.”

Impacts on communities

Participants noted the efficiency, agility and ability of the Youth Local Action Groups to distribute funding with clear outcomes and impacts tailored to youth priorities:

“We have been able to restore buildings, provide new equipment and sponsor sports teams. This has allowed organisations to expand what they can offer to young people. We have supported hundreds of young people across the islands to engage in activities and resources that may not have been open to them before. We have seen our group grow in membership and our name is now becoming more widely known among other island groups. This has allowed us to develop relationships and work on potential projects together in the future.”

Key to this was young people playing a material role in decision-making based on their own priorities. Respondents noted the critical role of Community Led Local Development staff support in this process, and in the wider running of a Youth Local Action Group. Many praised their youth facilitator/coordinator and emphasised that without their support, groups would not have the same energy or efficiency:

"Community-Led Local Development has been a real positive for communities because it actually puts power in local people’s hands. Young people and community groups get to shape projects that matter to them, instead of having things decided from the top down. It’s opened doors for creativity and new ideas, made it easier to work across different sectors, and helped build confidence and skills locally. Most importantly, it’s shown that when people are trusted to lead, communities can come together, make things happen, and feel more connected to the bigger decisions that affect their lives."

“This helps young people - a safe space, voices are welcomed, and we get to choose what we want and what is beneficial for young people.”

The praise given to these mechanisms suggests that the Youth Local Action Group model is achieving its goal of enabling young people to hold influence within their own communities.