The YT Club, operated by Stirling Council’s Youth Participation service, underwent a transformation in the summer of 2022 with the help of young individuals aged 10-16. As part of the Stirling Senior Phase and Youth Participation team’s summer holiday program, the young participants recognized the need to revitalize the garden area before the official reopening of the club in November 2022, following its closure due to COVID-19.
During the program, the young participants attended two days a week from June to September and were provided with breakfast and lunch. Supported by youth workers, they cleared the overgrown land and prepared it for cultivating food. Additionally, they collaborated with artists from Platform 13 Glasgow to design and paint vibrant murals on the walls and shutters of the center. These murals showcased words that resonated with the YT Club, such as “fun,” “happy,” and “safe,” as well as a cartoon illustration with the quote “Save Earth today to survive tomorrow.”
The impact of the project was assessed through observations and evaluation feedback. All young participants experienced an improvement in their overall well-being as a result of their involvement in this initiative. Looking ahead, the Youth Participation team has plans to assist multiple groups of young people in growing, cooking, and utilizing the fruits and vegetables that will be harvested later in the year. Any excess produce will be donated to local families.
Funding for this project was provided by the Scottish Government Summer Holiday Food, Activities, and Childcare Programme, as well as the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environmental Trust.
Interested to find out more about The YT Club? Get in touch via their Facebook page @StirlingYouthParticipationTeam