'Youth Vision', Sara Beauregard

View the Youth Vision website

Sara Beauregard gave a talk on 'Youth Vision' which is a charity operating solely in the Balerno area. The charity was set up to support young people through difficult transitions in their lives and works with those who may be struggling with formal education to promote their development by confronting problems of isolation, inadequacy of expression and lack of support.

They work closely with local schools and have two groups covering the 10-13 and 13-18 age ranges. The aim is to develop strengths and confidence in these young people by giving them the opportunity to identify and work out any personal problems through practical wilderness exercises.  These include archaeology, dry stane dyking, storytelling, drama, art and discussion groups.

They are also involved (along with volunteers) with the restoration and rebuilding of the Threipmuir Steading which lies between Harlaw and Threipmuir Reservoirs.  It is intended that the steading will provide a secure and weatherproof base for Youth Vision as well as being used for other community groups. A composting toilet is also in the process of construction. 

There is a big emphasis on gardening and growing food covering all tasks from digging and planting to picking and harvesting their produce.  This produce is then cooked to make soups and other dishes. Their idea is very much to use the outdoors and nature as nurture.

Youth Vision gets funding from various organisations but is seeking further funding to carry on  rebuilding by providing a kitchen to teach the young people catering skills.

The vote of thanks was given by Mike Rowe.

                                                                                                            Report by Pearl Clark