The Holywood Trust Conference back to news item
The Holywood Trust held a conference on Saturday 24th September for those across the region working with young people in Dumfries & Galloway. Held at Easterbrook Hall the event presented an opportunity for individuals to get together and find out more about each other.
The first keynote speaker was Professor Ted Milburn. could be described as something of a guru in the field of Community Education. He inspired a generation of students at Jordanhill, now Strathclyde University, both as a lecturer and subsequently as Course Director. He left school with few qualifications and no money. In spite of this, he graduated in 1973 at the age of 35 with a first class honours degree in Sociology. He helped to shape policy as Assistant Director of Education at Strathclyde Region and a scholarship has now been established in his name to help those in financial difficulty attend the Community Learning and Development course at Jordanhill, Strathclyde University. He is also president of YMCA Scotland.
Mark Molloy is Senior Community Learning and Development Officer for Nithsdale with Dumfries and Galloway Council. Mark is extremely committed to the provision of activities and opportunities for young people. Mark spoke about the need for a youth/adult partnership for taking forward service delivery, with youth participation at the heart of it. Agencies need to know what is needed rather than providing just any service. He encouraged organisations to be outcome focused and need led.
Mark’s history: Nearly 3 years in his present post, prior to this worked for Inverclyde Council as a Senior Community Learning and Development Officer, overseeing the youth programme. He has also worked in the voluntary sector – Dalmanock Youth Project in Glasgow, and Volunteer Centres.
Fraser Falconer National Programme Manager for Scotland, BBC Children in Need and Mary Craig, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Foundation Scotland held an informal session about the challenges of fundraising and what funders are looking for from applicants.
12 selected organisations were given two minutes each to tell the audience what they do, if they are looking for a new project or partnership working opportunities or if there is an issue they facing or are concerned about. A hooter sounded at the end of 2 minutes and presenters were asked to leave the stage. This seemed to be one of the favourite parts of the day!
How it went?
Over 130 delegates attended the full day event representing more than 40 different charitable and public sector organisations working across the region to support and provide opportunities for young people today. The afternoon session which was facilitated by Kris von Wald of Learning and Change, gave people the opportunity to share their experiences and discuss the strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats for delivering work with young people in this region.
The event also featured a number of young people demonstrating their talents. Young people from Sunlight Productions, Dumfries Junior Guild of Players, Summerhill Community Centre Queen of the South Under 19’s coaches, & Dumfries & Galloway Multi-cultural Association entertained delegates throughout the day. Individuals such as cyclist Bex Reilly, fashion designer Franz Maggs and Drummers Euan Leslie & Cameron Black showed off their skills and expertise, demonstrating what young people across the region are capable of.
The Trust has held a number of conferences over recent years for people working with young people. The feedback provided by delegates will be important to help decide what the Trust might do in the future in relation to providing opportunities for networking, showcasing talents etc.
