We are experts on the challenges facing BPoC young people, based on our extensive years of youth work experience, our direct connection with young people and our own personal experiences. We use this unique position to ensure accountability in decision making spaces that affect the lives of Black and PoC young people. We are currently a leading partner in Scottish Government policy reform in the areas of education, employability and human rights. In these spaces, IYS is one of the only organisations working directly with BPoC young people, giving our charity a great understanding and awareness of how our presence makes a significant difference in the outcome of the processes and the impact on the lives of BPoC young people in Scotland.

‍

Some of our most significant impacts have been within the areas of education, employability and human rights.

• Developing a year-long class on anti-racism, which we are currently delivering in secondary schools across Edinburgh and Glasgow, through our Pro-Black, Anti-Racist Education Programme.
  
• Supporting countless BPoC children and young people to find community and solidarity, to grow their talents, and to find opportunities, through our Youth Work and Restless Natives Programmes.
• Launching Scotland's only free, fully-funded Mental Health Service for BPoC children and young people. If you need to refer yourself or someone else, you can do so here
• Playing a central role in creating youth-led antiracist change in the Scottish Government, through our youth-led reports and as activists in decision-making spaces such as the Young Person's Guarantee and high-level reforms of Scotland's Education and Youth Work sectors.
• Putting BPoC young people at the heart of research with long-lasting impact on Scotland, by supporting our Youth Researchers to co-develop and take a leading role in the National Consultation on Empire, Slavery and Scotland's Museums.
  

‍

All of our involvement in these processes were crucial in ensuring that young Black and POC voices were being heard. By continuing to shape, disrupt and improve these processes, we aim to build a Scotland that is a safe and welcoming place to grow up for Black and PoC young people.