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YouthLink Scotland, the National Agency for Youth Work has set up the first independent public website designed to challenge sectarianism in Scotland, supported by the Scottish Government.
Accessible on computers, tablets and mobile phones, this website will act as a central gateway to information and resources tackle sectarianism in Scotland by providing tailored user access to four distinct target groups:
1. Children
2. Young people
3. Adults: parents, carers, community groups.
4. AoS Network: teachers, youth workers, academics, policy officers, community activists.
The aim of the website is to provide 'information that inspires action' in local communities across Scotland by sharing stories of those affected sectarianism and showcasing the work and resources that are able to address it.
The website is for everyone, including:
Children, young people and adults in local communities, as well as; Community Groups, Local Authorities, Youth Work projects, Schools, Businesses, Government Agencies and Academics.
Action on Sectarianism looks and feels the same on multiple platforms; computers; tablets and mobile phones. It acts as a one-stop-shop to the best resources, marketing and educational initiatives from across Scotland and includes; Three unique public channels for children, young people and adults with music, videos, stories, practical guides, parental advice and an interactive zone, designed to get folk thinking differently about the issue and sharing their perspectives. The AoS Network, a dedicated secure channel where practitioners and activists can share their work and research and look at innovative ways of communicating this to the public.
The Scottish Government has initiated and funded a number of innovative projects and educational resources to support sectarianism over the last few years, including ‘Beyond a Culture of Two Halves.’ In 2012 an independent advisory group was set up, chaired by Dr Duncan Morrow, to inform policy on sectarianism. There are a number of communities and organizations across Scotland currently working together to tackle sectarianism, and the Scottish Government is funding a range of approaches with £9m investment over three years.
The swift legislative response and investment in local community projects demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackle the issue but there is now a need to effect long-term cultural change and that requires a wider, longer term approach. Youth Link Scotland has worked with a range of partner organizations, agencies, communities and individuals to generate content for the website and will continue to work in partnership to achieve the ultimate goal of a Scotland free from sectarianism.
The design of the website as an open source platform allows for easy access and editing of their website with this option being open to anyone in the Action on Sectarianism (AoS) Network. Youth Link Scotland has offered training for administrators and editors of the website and will continue to offer this option so that the website stays fresh and is open to all.
Bridging the Gap
Nil by Mouth
North Kelvin Sports Development Group
Sacro
Sense Over Sectarianism
The Fair Play Foundation
West of Scotland Regional Equality Council (WSREC)
Youth Scotland
YouthLink Scotland the National Agency for youth work, representing more than 100 youth work organisations across Scotland. We champion the role and value of the youth work sector, challenging government at national and local levels to invest in your development.
If you would like to find out more, you can get in touch here.
If you have articles, resources, events or information you would like to share on this site please load them through our submission form here.
VISIT SITEIf you have experienced or witnessed any form of sectarianism you can get information on the support available in the guidance sections of the young people and adults pages. If you need to report a hate crime you can do so by contacting Police Scotland or through a Third Party Reporting Centre. More information on this is available in our Guidance pages.
Tel 0131 202 8050 Email aos@youthlink.scotIf you want to take action and do something to tackle sectarianism in your community you can find out how others have been successful in our Directory and Library pages. There is lots of information there to use as inspiration. If you are doing something, tell us about it and we will feature your good news and events on the website and through our social media channels. Also get in touch if you need support or guidance.
Tel 0131 202 8050 Email aos@youthlink.scotHave you created an amazing resource that helps to tackle sectarianism in your community? Then why not share it with us and let others access it and learn from your good practice. To submit a resource, event or news article email or call us at the details below.
Tel 0131 202 8050 Email aos@youthlink.scotWatch our Talking Heads - a collection of video
interviews real people, expressing their real views.