East Lothian Courier | News | 'Innovative' teen initiative praised

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 8th November, 2007 09:30

'Innovative' teen initiative praised

JUSTICE Minister Kenny MacAskill has praised a council initiative aimed at discouraging youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

East Lothian Council Neighbourhood Outreach Team’s projects such as the inter-town football tournament and community clean-ups in Musselburgh were a proven means of boosting youngsters’ behaviour, said the Musselburgh MSP.

He added: “The devil finds time for idle hands. The Neighbourhood Outreach Team has been vital in identifying kids with nothing to do who might otherwise get into trouble.

“It is about promoting good behaviour and stopping problems before they arise.”

Mr MacAskill was speaking at last Wednesday’s launch of the Neighbourhood Outreach Team 2007 Report at Musselburgh’s Brunton Hall, when he joined Hibs FC stars Steven Fletcher and Filipe Morais in presenting the East Lothian Inter-Town Football Tournament trophy to winning team, Ormiston.

The county-wide tournament ran throughout July and August and involved more than 120 youths aged 12-17.

External consultants carried out a comprehensive review of the work carried out by the council’s neighbourhood outreach team, and its impact on communities across East Lothian.

The resulting report highlights the “hard work and nervous energy that has been expended to make the service come to life” and praises its “positive and innovative” approach.

It makes a number of recommendations for the future of the service, including the development of a long-term action plan and a review of how resources are allocated.

The team works with ‘hard-to-reach’ young people to create informal opportunities for learning and building confidence, encourages better integration between young people and their communities, and addresses issues of risky behaviour and management with young people.

East Lothian cabinet member for community services, Councillor Stuart Currie, said: “This type of work involves people from across the community coming together to provide local solutions to their concerns.

“The strength of the neighbourhood outreach work comes from the enthusiasm and willingness shown by the team members and all of the young people involved.

“The relationships that they have built will reap rewards for all those who have taken part as well as the wider community.”

Last week’s function also featured a special DVD screening of Ormiston’s comprehensive 5-1 victory over Wallyford in the inter-team footy final.

Scott Lindsay, Hibernian FC executive director, added: “The power and appeal of football amongst young people is well recognised and projects such as this, which demonstrate the benefits of using the sport as a diversionary activity, have an important contribution to make to local communities.

“In a time when there is overwhelming concern regarding the lifestyles of our young people, Hibernian is pleased to offer its support and congratulations to a programme which has offered a healthy focus and positive experience to a significant number of young people throughout East Lothian.”

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