Youth surgery allows student representatives to press agenda

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An Edinburgh-based scheme to tackle issues concerning the capital's young people was launched last week at the City Chambers.

Student representatives, members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, police and local councillor, David Beckett, convened on Wednesday for the first 'youth surgery' meeting.

The surgery aims to resolve problems that under-25s face by improving communication between community services and the individual or representing body.

Mr Beckett told The Journal: “We had a wide-ranging discussion on subjects from HMOs to including student representation on community councils after the successful co-opting of Liam Burns onto the City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership.

“I look forward to the follow-up meeting which will be held in the near future and also look forward to beginning my student surgeries in student unions across Edinburgh from the beginning of April in order to fully engage students and work to help in any way I can.”

Mr Beckett emphasized the importance of encouraging increased student involvement in local council discussions, particularly in areas densely populated with students, such as Marchmont and New Town.

Members from the police forces reinforced this point, highlighting the need for dialogue between the police and students for the provision of better services.

The issue of improved lighting in the Meadows and reducing disturbances in common stairs by drug users were two areas that the police highlighted could be solved by increased communication between students and the force.

Mr Beckett also discussed his intention to set up a database so that students could have better access to employment and volunteer opportunities.

Liam Burns, President of Heriot-Watt University Students' Association, has been working with Mr Beckett and the local council to provide better services for students.

Although Mr Burns highlighted the difficulties involved in persuading young people to engage with youth services, he commended Mr Beckett for his efforts.

Mr Burns said: “There are tons of things young people have an interest in and with the new Scottish Government devolving many functions to local councils, this could be a brilliant opportunity; recycling, HMO quotas, volunteering, transport and safety are things we hear students talking about on a daily basis.

“Even if this surgery doesn't work, David clearly has a will to engage young people and I'm sure there are lots of different formats that could be tried and Students Associations will no doubt want to be a part of that.

“EUSA hosted the Student City Forum late last year, and Students Association Presidents now sit on different Council forums.

“Now we need to devolve that down further to student political groups and societies - but that will take time. Efforts like David's surgeries will no doubt help in achieving this.”

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