Making a Difference

Investing in Children and Young People

Rapture Club Event Promotes United Forum

One of the greatest challenges in giving young people in Elgin an effective voice has been to deal with the rivalry among different groups within the city.

In May the Rapture Club event was held in Elgin Town Hall, attended by around 290 young people under the age of 18.  The event was planned, organised and named (by using a Bebo poll!) by a group of young people from both sides of Elgin.  The group also took part in the event and provided DJ music on the night.  The event was supported by a range of partners, including Grampian Police, NHS Grampian, the Council's Community Learning and Development and Dialogue Youth teams, local Elected Members and the Elgin Youth Cafe.  It was hailed as a great success by all involved and there were no incidents of youth disorder reported on the night.

The event proved an excellent catalyst in forming an Elgin-wide Youth Forum.  The planning group are now active members as well as other young people, many of whom were put in touch through contact 'on the street' with detached youth workers.  Membership of the Forum has for many reduced their drug and alcohol habits and other risk-taking behaviour and given them a sense of identity.

"I have had a magic night and you get a high from the music that is better than any drink!"  Young person.

"I was very impressed to see a mix of young people from Elgin all under one roof"  Police representative.