Vision for East Lothian's young people published

A new strategy has been introduced to make sure young people are safe, heard and included in our area. 

The East Lothian Youth Vision is our Strategy for Youth Work over the three years from 2026 to 2029. 

Our Vision is that, through youth work, young people in East Lothian are safe, heard and included.

Developed by young people

The document was developed by young people, youth work organisations, our council and key partners across East Lothian.

This plan sets out our goals for 2026-2029. It outlines how we will deliver positive impacts for young people, focusing on three core goals:

• children and young people feel safer in their communities
• children and young people’s ideas and experiences will be heard, listened to and acted upon
• children and young people feel included in their communities

Working collaboratively

To make this happen, we’ll work collaboratively and track progress through an oversight group. Each year, we’ll publish an Impact Report to celebrate achievements, share stories, achievements and reflect on challenges.

One of our first priorities in 2026 will be to work with a group of young people to produce a young person-friendly version for the Youth Vision.

Young people have already shared their experiences on the importance of youth work, highlighting how it helps them to gain independence and new skills. One commented “since it is getting dark in the evenings my mum lets me stay out later because i am in youth club,” while another added “To feel included we need options... we want the same opportunities as other people get.”

Find out more

Read the East Lothian Youth Vision on our website and, to find out more please, email Connected Communities East Lothian. 

Learn more about two of our fabulous Specialist Youth Workers, Vanda and Janet, in this month's Inform.