1. Youth project pilot report

3. Introduction
Paths for All is a Scottish Charity. We champion everyday walking as the way to a happier, healthier Scotland.
In 2016/17 we were funded by SNH to deliver a path development project to young people. We developed a 5 day training programme which we piloted to a group of young people attending the activity agreement programme through Clackmannanshire Council.

6. Although we supported them by offering tools and guidance throughout their journey, we encouraged them to take the lead on how they envisioned the project to be.
The path which was identified for the project was a path at Gartmorn Dam in Sauchie, Clackmannanshire; a popular area for families, dog walkers and visitors.
‘Encourage young people, in particular those that are disadvantaged or hard to reach, to engage with a project which demonstrated the importance of paths in the community’
Project Summary
The project was developed to encourage young people, in particular those that were hard to reach, to engage with a project which demonstrated the importance of paths in the community and provided them with the skills to improve a local path.
The approach to the project was very much person- centred and was designed to empower young people to take ownership of their own learning rather than be another training course which they had little influence over.
The training course designed for the project was held once a week over 5 weeks. As well as focusing on introducing the young people to path development skills, we wanted to provide them with opportunities to develop softer skills such as team working, managing a project, team leadership, communication and engaging with their local community, all of which they could transfer into other areas of their lives.
The training itself involved giving the young people a path mission and informing them that they must work together to problem solve what needed to be done and how they were going to do it.
The young people spent time speaking with the local community, the local access officer and rangers before surveying the path and finally improving it. By the end of the project they had worked together to improve a set of steps and open up a scenic viewing point which was previously overgrown. Although not directly part of the project, some of the young people attended Walk leadership training which was organised through Paths for All. To celebrate their achievements, the young people organised an opening event for their path which involved a led walk and a BBQ. This was a great success which brought together many members of the community and gave the young people the chance to be recognised for all their hard work.
‘Person- centred and designed to empower young people to take ownership of their own learning’

7. Evaluation and Impact
Although the young people were initially difficult to engage with, through a flexible and relaxed approach to the training, they eventually began to feel confident and participated with enthusiasm.
A key aim of this programme was to give the young people the opportunity to identify their strengths and to work together to divide tasks based on what they themselves were good at and enjoyed.
The evaluation given by the young people at the end of the course was positive and they indicated that their knowledge had increased significantly. Some of the things they enjoyed the most was learning about tools and working together as a team.
The project was also well received by the local community and Clackmannanshire Council and a second course is now being run.
Two of the young people from the pilot have also returned to attend the second course as peer educators to the new group
“This partnership between paths for all and youth services has been a great starting point the young people had an enjoyable experience and gained many new practical and social transferable skills that they were able to put towards a challenge of a Youth Achievement Award and a John Muir Award”
Lilian grey
Youth Development Office

8. Before
After

9. Before
After

10. Launch event

11. “Brilliant to see the steps able to be used properly again”

12. “The work has made the walk around the dam more enjoyable”

13. “Good to see people caring for the country park”
“A massive improvement- Thank you!”
“Good to see people caring for the country park”

15. Our Contact Details Paths for All Paths for All
Forester Lodge
Tullibody Road
Alloa
FK10 2HU
Tel:
Fax:
Paths for All would like to thank all projects and organisations who have kindly contributed to this manual. The Paths for All Partnership is a recognised Scottish Charity No: SC and a Company Limited by Guarantee No: incorporated 19 September 1996 at Companies House, Edinburgh. Registered Office: Forester Lodge, Tullibody Road, Alloa, FK10 2HU.
Paths for All
Great Glen House Leachkin Road
Inverness
IV3 8NW