Vision: working with young people from the Black Isle area, going to them rather than expecting them to come to us.
The Black Isle is a peninsula just north of Inverness. A lot of the young people’s families are farmers or fishermen, as these are two of the major livelihoods in the area. Many of the other young people’s families have moved into the area and commute to work in the surrounding area.
The majority of the young people from the Black Isle attend Fortrose Academy so we spend a large part of our time there. As in the Inverness High school, we also try to serve wherever there is need. We work closely with the guidance team and learning support department to provide one-to-one support both in classes and outwith classes. We also assist with Religious Education lessons and provide assemblies. We spend most lunch times within the school building chatting with the students and staff, getting great opportunities to get to know the young people more. We are really encouraged by the openness of the staff who see us as colleagues rather than visitors to the school.
As the young people from the Black Isle are spread out over a 30 to 40 mile area, we aim to meet young people outside school when we can by volunteering with various groups already running in their communities.
We aim to stay flexible in terms of the work we do so we have the freedom to reach the young people where they are. There are some great young people in this area and it is such a privilege to spend time getting to know them.
The Black Isle
Highland & Islands Youth For Christ Company No: 196260 | Scottish Charity: SC029001
