Membership Spotlight highlights the work of our member organisations and outline how other individuals and NGOs can support them. Below we shine the light on Young Scot.

We work to support young people to thrive and make the most of their lives as they grow up. This is a powerful way to provide reassurance in times of challenge, help build confidence and resilience, and support young people to have fun! The UNCRC is at the heart of this ethos and everything we do – from providing young people with opportunities to learn about topics that are important to them – to sharing power with decision-makers and taking part in volunteering.

What projects are you currently working on?

We have a lot on offer to help young people make the most of their lives. Hundreds of thousands of young people use their Young Scot National Entitlement Cards for free bus travel, and others for discounted trains and ferries. They can also use their card to save money with 1000s of discounts across Scotland and Europe. Their card is free legal proof of age too! We create quality-assured information tailored specifically for young people and share this information within the digital spaces they spend their time in – including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify and YouTube. We also produce information in Gaelic. 

We help young people to build their skills and make a change to the things that matter by taking part in surveys or volunteering with us. They can also connect to exciting opportunities, rewards and experiences with our Young Scot Rewards programme. For young carers, we help them make the most of their free time with access to our #YSCarers Young Carers Package special bundle of treats – and we run programmes for young people facing barriers to their attainment too.

How do you support children and families to learn about their rights? How can children and young people make their views heard to influence your work?

Young people who volunteer on our #VisionMakers group are a central voice in the design and delivery of our strategy. We also support young people to identify and claim their rights with our UNCRC awareness-raising campaigns. For example, we recently worked with the Scottish Government on a ‘know your rights’ campaign co-designed by young people which we shared across Instagram and TikTok.

Does your organisation influence policy development on issues affecting children and young people? If so, please share an example.

Young people help to design policy and services on behalf of local and national organisations through Young Scot Hive #YSHive. Their efforts help to influence policy on topics such as alcohol marketing, mental health services provision, Scots and Gaelic language, and free transport. Young people also have their voices heard by taking part in our surveys and insights projects.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of Together?

It’s great to be part of a group of like-minded organisations that share our values.

How can other organisations or individuals get involved or support your work?

We have many years of experience working with partners to deliver meaningful impact for young people through joint programmes, engaging and impactful campaigns or creating projects and volunteering opportunities that can support young people to be system changers. If you would like to partner with us to help make this happen, please get in touch with ceo@young.scot.

If your organisation was an animal what would it be and why?

That’s a good question – one which likes working as part of a team. Dolphins are known for their social and communication skills used to look out for each other – as well as their playful and cheery nature!

Get Involved with Together

Are you a Together organisational Member and would like to collaborate for a Membership Spotlight? Email: caitlin@togetherscotland.org.uk

Would you like to find out further information about joining Together’s Membership? Find out further information by opening this hyperlink.