We are thrilled and delighted that the Youth Agency has been awarded the LGBT Gold Charter by LGBT Youth Scotland.
The LGBT Gold Charter recognises commitment to LGBT rights and equality along with excellence in best practice. The Youth Agency are honoured to be the first youth work organisation in Edinburgh to receive this award.
In 2018 we became the first youth work organisation in South West Edinburgh to achieve the Bronze Charter. Achieving this award was a big event for us and a recognition of our commitment to fully embracing LBGT rights and promoting equality. However, we thought we could do more and go further and that is what we set out to do.
Our journey to gold began in 2022 and the 18 months we have spent working towards this award has been both enlightening and challenging. While it has been heartening to see what we do well receive recognition, we have also been pushed to be better.
Among the highlights have been working with our partner agencies to complete the Trans Top Tips document, delivering multi-agency training with LGBT Youth Scotland, Healthy Respect and LAYC to promote LGBT-inclusive practice, and participating in the fantastic Youth Pride Zone as part of the Edinburgh Pride Festival.
Feeback from LGBT Youth Scotland said “Your organisation has worked really hard over the Charter Journey to integrate inclusivity into your service, benefitting LGBTQ+ service users and staff. This is a collective effort and every person who has completed training, attended events, and participated in the journey should be proud of their positive contribution.”
We hope our services reflect the journey that we have been on, the lessons that we have learned and the relationships we have built. Ultimately, it is our wish that our staff, volunteers and all the young people using Youth Agency services feel safe, valued and free to be themselves.
The 12 Days of Christmas – Youth Agency Style
Our final 12 Days of Christmas post bring to you the full musical version of The 12 Days of Christmas - Youth Agency style. ...
On the 1st Day of Christmas……
....Young People came to see A Baby On the Way!!While we excitedly await the arrival of the new baby, please visit again tomorrow. We may have another treat in store!...
On the 2nd Day of Christmas….
....Young Peope came to see 2 face paintsPop back on Monday to see what Day 1 will bring!...
On the 3rd Day of Christmas….
....Young People came to see 3 pool cuesKeep coming back to see what comes next!...
Red Cup Cheer Upate
Thanks to all who tweeted their support for Wester Hailes Youth Agency during the Starbucks Red Cup Cheer Project. We were thrilled with the support that we received and are delighted to have won a donation of £1000 from Starbucks UK...
On the 4th Day of Christmas…….
....Young People came to see 4 ping pong ballsPop back tomorrow to see what's in store next!...
On the 5th Day of Christmas…
....Young People came to see 5 purple shirts!Visit us again tomorrow to see what day 4 brings...
On the 6th Day of Christmas…..
............Young People came to see 6 colleagues cooking. Pop back on Monday for our next installment. ...
Kind words from local MP
Thank you so much to Joanna Cherry, MP for the following kind words and vote of confidence in our work..... ...
On the 7th Day of Christmas….
..........Young People came to see 7 team mates teabreakPop back again tomorrow to see what is in store for the next day of Christmas!...
Office Advent
Staff from MP Joanna Cherry's office are visiting local organisations to carry out good deeds as part of their Office Advent. Today was Day 8 and we were delighted to welcome them to Wester Hailes Youth Agency. ...
On the 8th Day of Christmas…….
........Young People came to see 8 people skipping!Visit again tomorrow for some more festive fun...
On the 9th Day of Christmas…
... Young People came to see 9 workers working! Pop back tomorrow for more christmas cheer!...
On the 10th Day of Christmas…
.....Young People came to see 10 jesters juggling!! Be sure to pop back on Monday to see what we got up to next!!...
