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Young person, Loughborough
Rainer and City of Edinburgh improving wellbeing of youngsters
10 January 2008
A conference taking place in Edinburgh today will detail how the City of Edinburgh Council is pioneering an exciting new approach to increasing wellbeing for young people and making communities safer.
National charity Rainer CtC uses a comprehensive survey and an established body of research to determine the risks to young people within a particular community, such as the availability of drugs, and the existence of 'protective factors' that might shield them from these risks, such as strong family bonds. In an approach similar to that used by public health bodies, this information is then used by the local community to develop an action plan for children and young people that focuses resources on where they will be most effective.
The City of Edinburgh Council commissioned Rainer CtC to survey 23,000 12 to 17-year-olds living in the city. The results of the survey are now being used to develop and implement a long term prevention strategy to reduce the involvement of young people in crime, drug abuse, school failure and school age pregnancy.
Director Rainer CtC in Scotland Dennis Daly said that the conference was an opportunity to show how a major city could take a preventative approach to young people's issues, rather than simply reacting as and when problems arose.
"People are familiar with the concept of prevention in public health. We have all heard that we need to eat healthier and take exercise to prevent conditions such as heart disease. Rainer CtC believes that if we are to improve things for our young people in the long-term we need to take a similar approach - we must understand where our children are being put at risk and how we can shield them from that risk if we are to decide where it is best to spend public money.
"The City of Edinburgh Council is making great strides towards making life safer and more enjoyable for young people living in the city and we are excited about the opportunity to share how the Rainer CtC model has been used in this context."
Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, Convener for Education, Children and Families, the City of Edinburgh Council, said:
"This is an extensive survey of young peoples' views and concerns, indeed one of the largest ever in Scotland. The results will be very useful for the Council to then tailor make services to meet the needs of the City's youngsters. I am committed to following up the results with actions to enhance their lives and make the City a fun and safe place for young people to live."
Ends
Notes to editors
1. For further information please contact Rainer press officer Lucy Jackson on
020 7840 5627 or 07734 022409.
2. CtC was established in the UK in 1997 with the support of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. It takes an evidence-based approach to identifying the main risk and protective factors for young people within a local area and then engages commissioners in the development of an holistic children and young people's action plan. The organisation joined forces with Rainer in 2006.
3. Rainer is the national charity for under-supported young people. We have contact with more than 18,000 young people and young adults in 115 communities across the country - including those who are at risk of family breakdown, in or leaving care, caught up in the criminal justice system, homeless, or outside education, training or employment. www.raineronline.org.
