Feedback from the Youth of Badenoch and Strathspey
The Burall Legacy working group was pleased to connect with Paul Jarvis, a Youth Development Officer with Highland Council, who supports young people in the Badenoch and Strathspey area.
Paul shared the results of a consultation involving around 60 local children and young people, focused on their health and wellbeing needs. Although the consultation wasn’t done specifically for the Burall Legacy Fund, the ideas shared are still very relevant and show what matters most to young people in the area. The members of the Badenoch and Strathspey Youth Forum gave their consent for the production and sharing of this information and infographic as part of the Burall Legacy Fund engagement activity.
The infographic below shows the main findings. The young people also suggested a number of ways they think these needs could be met. These include:
- Using mobile units or partnering with schools, libraries, community centres or others to host pop-up mental health hubs.
- Investing in digital connectivity for remote support where professionals aren't available locally.
- Funding transport for youth to regional events or bring activities to remote villages using a mobile service model.
- Provide small grants for local leaders to run wellness programmes.
- Free access to all young people to High Life Highland facilities and activities.
- Partner with local artists and use community centres or schools for regular workshops.
- Digitally connect rural youth for joint projects across regions.
- Fund multi-use venues e.g. libraries or community centres, to act as informal youth hubs.
- Consider transport solutions or rotating access days across villages.
- Fund safe travel to inclusive spaces or offer identity-based support online when local services aren't available.
