Good Idea: Interactive map of youth work provision ?in Edinburgh

Provider City of Edinburgh Council
Name Youth work map
Summary The City of Edinburgh Council has developed an online youth work map that aims to help young people participate in the city’s youth projects.

A recent survey by City of Edinburgh Council found that at least a quarter of the city’s 11- to 14-year-olds are involved in youth work activities.

But to encourage more young people to get involved and find out about the range of activities on offer, the council has decided to develop a map that can be accessed online.

The map allows users to search by the kind of activities they want; the aims of the youth project; opening hours; the area; or whether sessions are open or restricted. Young people can also search across the city-wide area or focus in on regions or smaller neighbourhoods. The council wanted to create a tool that made information on positive activities more accessible to young people.

Education convener councillor Paul Godzik, says: “Edinburgh benefits from excellent youth work services and a wide range of activities are available throughout the city. These services are vital and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people from all backgrounds.

“I would encourage people to have a look at the map to find out ways that they can become involved in these varied and highly rewarding activities.”

The map covers recreational and youth clubs but also specialist counselling and support services.

The council says it is keen to see more young people participating in youth activities and services, but also to take up potential training and development opportunities. According to the council, many of the young people who take part in youth services go on to volunteer or become youth project workers in the city.