A Step Forward for Wick's youngsters

A YOUTH project based at Wick High School has reported success in its initiative to bring "new skills and experience" to young people in the area.

Carly Simpson is project leader of Step Forward Wick Youth (SFWY) – the team behind the recent mural on the riverside boating shed.

"Myself and our team of youth workers have been working together with young people over the last six months to create and implement a varied youth work programme based at the high school," she said. "Our aim is to ensure every young person can gain confidence, skills and new experiences by engaging with youth work learning programmes."

Carly said that initial success with a weekly activities schedule led to a summer programme helping engage young people in the holidays and getting them involved in a community project – namely, the boating shed mural.

The youngsters have also enjoyed various excursions thanks to SFWY, either locally to the likes of John O’Groats and Thurso Cinema, or further away to Kincraig to enjoy a day at the Highland Wildlife Park.

"The young people have been an asset to the school and the community," Carly said. "We have received compliments everywhere we go about their good manners and behaviour – it really has been a joy taking them on these trips and it's excellent to be able to offer them new experiences."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.