Stobbie Youth
Youth Work
In April 2007 the youth problem in Stobswell was brought to our attention by the local police liaison officer who raised concerns that one group in particular were in danger of becoming involved in anti social behaviour.
With funding from The Balgay Children’s Society and The Alexander Moncur Trust Boomerang were able to open the doors to the youths on two evenings per week and provide 2 youth workers and a fitness instructor.
We carried out regular outreach work with the youths on the streets, befriending and talking to all the groups of young people that congregate in the area. During our discussions with the youths it became apparent that the vast majority would openly welcome somewhere warm and welcoming to go and hang out in the evenings. Ages of the youths varied from 10 years to 17 years with some groups consisting of youths of the whole age range.
Boomerang provided the facilities for young people to meet and socialise in a safe environment off the street which is now seen by the client group as “Their Place”. The facility provides young people with a number of activities, and gives access to information, a pool table, music, television, snacks, and a wide range of soft drinks.
A significant core group of 8 teenagers have already developed management rules that they have applied to the project and have developed ground rules and show enthusiasm for the responsibility of taking on and developing the group’s choices, management and development. To this aim we arranged management committee training skills to be delivered to the core group through the Dundee Volunteer Centre.
Through a grant received from the Hilton Foundation training packs were purchased which we have used with this group as a fun and informative way of raising the awareness of substance misuse.