PICTURES: Inverness youth street event staged by Police Scotland and Highland Council proves a big hit - with calls for more
A packed youth street entertainment extravaganza today in Inverness is being hailed as a roaring success and crucial first step towards tackling anti-social behaviour.
Police in the city teamed up with Highland Council and High Life Highland to invite young people to the first Inverness Youth Street Event at Eastgate Shopping Centre and Falcon Square.
The attractions on offer seemed to prove a big hit with families and young folk - not least the free snacks and pizza.
Part of Operation Respect, a multi-agency initiative aimed at increasing youth engagement and reducing youth associated anti-social behaviour, the four-hour event laid on a free array of attractions including street football, boxing, disc-golf, rowing, music, arts and crafts.
It came in the wake of a small minority of young people in and around the city centre making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Police have also focused on increased city centre patrols and enforcement to tackle issues such as underage sales of vaping products, vandalism, fire-starting and misuse of the city e-bikes.
There was a carnival atmosphere, with hundreds of young people trying out the attractions.
Other stallholders flagged up charitable and voluntary initiatives for young people, providing information and advice on activities, support, and career pathways available to young people in Inverness.
Inspector Emma Wright, with responsibility for the city centre and community beat, said: “We all remember, from our younger years, how easy it can be to get bored.
“With young folk hanging about the town in bigger groups, sometimes they’re not doing anything wrong yet people imagine they’re up to no good.
“A minority do end up getting involved in things they shouldn’t.
“What we’re trying to do today is engage, inspire, and offer them the chance to try different things they may like.
“This first event was brought together quickly, with just two months’ planning, with great support from partners and lots of people, businesses and organisations getting involved and offering us free food.
“The reaction on social media seems to be really good. People are asking: ‘Can we have more of these and can we have them all over the Highlands and Islands?’
“I've seen lots of happy young people enjoying activities and a slice of free pizza.”
Liam Foy, Highland Boxing Academy’s head coach, said: “We’ve had a good few kids in, trying out the sport for the very first time. Some of our boxing club young folk are doing a few demos.
“It’s great to get the chance to show the kids here today that there is other stuff they can be doing in their free time.
“Boxing, and the discipline and dedication it requires, has always been a great way to engage young people and encourage a positive mindset, keep them on track and help them develop physically and mentally.”
Ten year-old Rokzkool Academy, full of musical instruments and arts and crafts, is already stationed at the lower shopping level of the Eastgate Centre and opened its doors to inquisitive young people.
Rod Shannon, co-founder and trustee of the academy, said: “We’re a small charity and community-based learning facility, working in music, art and our own training platform.
“It is all about building confidence and upskilling people.
“We know and we’ve seen the positive change in mindset these activities can have on young people.
“We’ve seen how young people come in groups and are curious. Within minutes they can be immersed in something completely new and engaging to them.”
Craig Craswell, active schools coordinator for Inverness High School, helped budding footballers find their feet in the square.
He said: “We’ve had lots of youngsters, of all different ages. The aim is to make Falcon Square more open and inclusive for young people and, hopefully, that feeds positively into behavioural aspects.
“It’s great to see families coming along and see so many organisations giving Inverness a welcoming feel.”
Clair Nichols, chief officer of the 40-year-old Dingwall-based charity Youth Highland, was one of a huge variety of stallholders from different organisations.
Its role is to support communities to set up and run youth activities and groups for ages 5-25.
She said: “We’re really excited about the legislation around children’s rights and want to see more young people have a voice - and be heard - in shaping their own services and their futures.
“We know that Highland has a depopulation crisis, with young people tending to leave. We really want to make it an exciting place to be for young people.”
