Linwood teens are climbing high.

Dec 28 2012 by Lalita Augustine, Paisley Daily Express

A group of tenacious teens took a trip to Braehead’s Xscape for a graduation ceremony with a difference.

The Linwood Youth Stand Up project, set up in July, is a campaign group of young people who have come together to make positive changes in the area.

A graduation ceremony was held for them at Braehead as a thank-you for their hard work over the summer.

Members Christopher McDonald, 19, Hayley Mackland, 17, and 16-year-olds Jordan Reilly, Nicola Reilly and Cannor Ahmed, took to the centre’s Climbzone, having fun on one of the largest freestanding rock climbing walls in the UK, before receiving certificates for completing their first phase of training.

Working in conjunction with charity, Oxfam Scotland, the group have so far campaigned for a youth centre, increased services to help young people with work, skills and sporting opportunities.

In the past five months, they have been learning new skills in presentation, communication, team-building and building self-confidence.

They now hope to be a voice for their generation in Linwood and have been involved in creating plans for a new youth centre in the town.

Hayley said: “Coming to the group has been rewarding.

“Our thoughts are becoming actions, and we’re going to make a difference in the way people look at young people and the services young people have in Linwood. I’m really hopeful about seeing a real change in Linwood. It might start small, but it will be something positive.”

Oxfam Scotland’s involvement is part of their wider work to support community development in the area, aiming to bring young adults together to develop their voice.

Linwood Youth Stand Up is also supported by Renfrewshire Council Youth & Sport Services and Roars Not Whispers, a national charity helping young people to represent themselves.

Luisa Palmegiani, National Development Officer for the charity, said: “The group is desperate for change in Linwood for all young people and have volunteered a lot of their time towards that goal.”

John Kennedy, Community Learning Officer with Renfrewshire Council Youth & Sport Services, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with young people who are motivated to make changes in their community. I look forward to working alongside them so that young people in Linwood can have a real voice.”