Young people - activities and advice

Youth Strategy Service

The Youth Strategy Team works in all eleven secondary schools across West Lothian. Workers help young people who are having difficulty at school and who may be at risk of being 'excluded' from mainstream society.

The team works with youngsters on their own, in groups or at the team's base in Bathgate. This support is also available in the evening and during holiday periods.

The team's accommodation in central Bathgate includes a reasonably sized and equipped group room but sessions can be held anywhere including community and sports centres. The team also provides a support service to young carers.

Some points about the service;

• Young people (or their parents) can refer themselves to the service although referrals mainly come from the education or social work departments with a few coming from health professionals or elsewhere
• Each young person using the service will be seen for at least the equivalent of one school 'period' each week. The help provided will be longer if they also attend one of the evening groups. Currently there are six evening groups with plans for three more. In school, the team can help children on their own or in a group.
• There may be a waiting list in operation for the service. However, referrals can be made at any time.

For further information please contact the Youth Strategy Team or your nearest social work centre;

Contact information:

Youth Strategy Team
25a North Bridge Street
Bathgate
EH48 4PJ
Tel. 01506 776929

Livingston Social Work Centre
Cheviot House
Owen Square
Livingston
EH54 6PW
Tel. 01506 777777

Broxburn Social Work Centre
Strathbrock Partnership Centre
189a West Main Street
Broxburn
EH52 5LH
Tel. 01506 775666

Bathgate Social Work Centre
69 Whitburn Road
Bathgate
EH48 1HE
Tel. 01506 776700