How it all began
It was our idea in the first instance. We wanted lights at the skate park because we wanted to use the skatepark in the winter when it’s dark. It was also dangerous as young people were trying to skate in the dark.
We spoke to our pastoral teacher at Kelso High School who referred us to the Community Learning and Development Service.
We worked with Louise and Michelle and we came up with an action plan.
We spoke to Ali Hay the person who originally built the skate park. He told us ideas such as pitch deck, doing surveys and gaining support from the community.
What we did
Getting Councillors onboard was a major turning point but it took a lot of work.
We had to learn to speak at council meetings, write letters, and run consultations. We met with our local police officer, we done a meeting with Kerfield Court (older people’s housing) and also met with Kelso Community Council.
It made us more confident with each community group we spoke to.
We got the funding for a planning consultant to be able to help us to gain access to more funding to help us to pay for the lights.
What I learnt from the project
I realised that if you want to do anything you can make it possible if you try.
I learned a lot of skills doing this project. I am now better at listening and focusing and have skills I can use in the future in any job. I got 100 hour Saltire Volunteering Award, a Summit Award and a Dynamic Youth Award.
We have gained more than lights!
I think the community now see young people in a better light.
The young people who worked on the skate park lights project have left a legacy for other young people in the community.
We have now passed it on to the next generation for them to look after it and build on our project.
The project has taken 30 months so far and it’s still going, but we do now have the lights.
Top tips on running a campaign!
I have now left school and the project, but I came back to talk to the new group about making sure they:
- keep up the rules on the rule board
- be mindful of their behaviour
- be professional and always be prepared to work
- carry on fighting for things in the community for young people.
Want to find out more about this project? Get in touch at: youth@scotborders.gov.uk and we will pass your questions on to the group.