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Release 2oth MAY
Strathmore
Centre for Youth Dialogue Opens
In early 2002, Tracy Ross from the Public Health Team brought together a loose network of service providers to consider pressing the issue of services for young people in the Strathmore area of Perthshire.
Proactive in this were representatives from Strathmore and the Glens.
A survey amongst young people strongly indicated that a review of existing services was necessary, particularly with respect to issues such as: access frequency, location, choice availability and flexibility.
Convinced that a more pro-active approach was required,
in mid 2002 Tracy initiated the ‘Steering Group’, which began to explore the potential for a dedicated and localised young person’s service.
This series of meetings comprised of service providers and young people, recommended the concept of a ‘One Stop Shop’ as the most effective way of initiating, designing and delivering services to young people. In addition to providing services directly from the shop there would also be the facility to enable the young person to research and negotiate the service most appropriate to his/her needs.
This was a very busy phase for the steering committee as it involved members in the preparation of a Business Plan (under the guidance of Ian Whiteman of Business in the Community), the search for funding, the search for suitable premises, and the need to develop and promote the aims of the emerging organisation with its newly adopted title of ‘Strathmore Centre for Youth Development’.
The steering group meeting culminated in the formal adoption of the Business Plan and the inaugural meeting of SCYD on the 11th March 2003.
There then followed a difficult and frustrating period for SCYD as the vitally
important funding application floundered on the political rocks of the Scottish Executive.
Also Tracy was transferred to Perth. However, by this time the concept was firmly established,
the ensuing commitment was strong and purposeful, and members were motivated to making the idea work.
Accordingly the challenge to secure a source of funding was tackled once again and on the 18th September 2003, Victoria, Leo, Paula and Kimberley from Blairgowrie High School made an impressive power point presentation to Maria Walker, Head of Service Perth & Kinross
Council. This won the day gaining the commitment to fund SCYD, which was now to be known as ‘Strathmore Centre for Youth Dialogue’
acknowledging the source of funding from a government initiative called ‘Dialogue Youth’.
During this development period SCYD won and lost what would have been ideal premises even though we had agreed terms with our funding partners.
Despite these setbacks the committee renewed its Service Level Agreement with Perth & Kinross Council (but for only a year), achieved charitable status, secured premises and firmly placed the committee in pole position to officially launch SCYD in the very near future.
It is not only thanks to Tracy for kick-starting this long but rewarding journey but to every member of the Committee, including Strathmore and the Glens, Business in the Community, Tayside Police, Blairgowrie, Alyth and Meigle Youth Projects to name but a few, but
mainly to the young people involved whose faith in the concept kept us all motivated and focused.
The future for SCYD is ours to shape and we look forward to the fruition of a service developed for young people by young people.
Sue Cole
Executive Director
Strathmore & the Glens Rural Partnership
PO Box 6621, Blairgowrie PH12 8YF
01828 640763
2005
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