Autumn Youth Work Programme For Annandale & Eskdale

The autumn Youth Work Service programme has arrived for young people aged 12-25 in Annandale and Eskdale! Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Youth Work Service launch their free autumn programme, which will offer young people a wide range of free activities that will take place from Tuesday to Saturday’s every week until December.

On the top floor of Market Hall in Annan, we have our groups in the Victoria Halls. Last term, Annan young people asked for a Lassies only sports group where we will do sports and learn about nutrition. Our Young chefs group continues for another term where young people get to learn how to cook nutritious meals on a budget and share this sit-down meal with the group and take goodies home to share! If you have an Additional Support Need or Disability, The Hub Club will be providing a youth led session depending on the needs of those involved.

In Lockerbie and Annan, Champions Board where care experienced young people can come along and share their experience, learn new skills, and engage with the regional project Listen to US. After the success of a young parent’s group (12 – 25yrs), in Annan, Bright Stars has launched in Lockerbie, it is a safe space to bring yourself and toddlers for free food and activities and meeting other people.

Health and wellbeing projects such as You Decide in Victoria Halls, Annan, and Lockerbie Town Hall, to discuss various issue-based topics and explore with young people each week; Creative Consciousness in Moffat Academy and Lockerbie Town Hall explore health and wellbeing through creative ways; Activism for 16 – 25yrs to explore your rights and views; Climate change project in Ecclefechan Town Hall and Canonbie Town Hall, explores climate change and how individuals can make small changes. The Youth Information Workers also support 1-1s in the community for anyone needing individual support.

What is a drop in? Come along to any drop in to participate in any activity available e.g., challenge a youth worker to a game of pool, sports, jewellery making or arts and crafts, meet new people, engage in topics you want to know more about or just sit and enjoy the music! Drop ins available in Moffat Academy, Lochmaben Queen of the South Community Centre, Gretna Graitney Park, Ecclefechan Village Hall, Canonbie Public Hall, Victoria Halls Annan and Lockerbie Town Hall.

Do you enjoy making games? Come along to the Gambling project where you can support peers to create a new board game to peer educate other young people about the dangers of gambling. Do you enjoy listening to podcasts? Maybe you want to be in one and discuss issues young people face? Come along to our digital podcast!

Councillor Archie Dryburgh, chair of Communities committee said:

“It is great to see the breadth of opportunities provided in this youth work programme, I am sure young people will really enjoy participating in activities and experiences that can have a big impact in local communities”.

There is also plenty of activities for young people who want to come along to a session, chill out, have a chat and relax!

Councillor John Campbell, vice chair of Communities committee said:

“These new programmes from the youth work service look very good indeed, I know how much young people value the engagement with youth workers so I’m sure this can have a positive effect on their lives. We can’t underestimate the importance of these interactions around young people’s wellbeing”.

Are you looking to complete a saltire award for volunteering, how would you like to be a young leader? This opportunity can be volunteering in groups and supporting other young people. We also have a young leader project who will planning our Halloween and Christmas events!

If you would like more information on what is available, dates and times of activities, or the link to sign up to what is on offer, please visit our Facebook page “Youth Work DG”; our Instagram @youthworkdg; or our Twitter @YOUTHWORKDG.