Onside is a nine-week programme which works directly with 14 to 15 year olds who have been identified as difficult to reach young people involved in anti-social and/or offending behaviour.

The programme is staffed by Ger McKendrick and Tam Hall from the West Lothian Youth Justice Family Support Team as well as Hearts coaching staff.

The Youth Justice Family Support Team aims to reduce youth offending across West Lothian. The individuals referred to Onside, predominantly through the Youth Justice service, have been assessed and recognised as difficult to engage with young people.

Youngsters that are targeted can be involved in drugs or alcohol misuse, risky, illegal or offending behaviour. They may also be experiencing major difficulties within mainstream education and may be on limited time-tables.

The Onside initiative designed by the Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust and West Lothian Council aims to address some of the issues which have resulted in young people becoming involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour.

The programme will build confidence in the participants and help them to understand the consequences of their behaviour. This in turn will lead to them becoming better citizens and meet the challenges of growing up in a positive and productive way.

The picture below shows the young group of Onside participants along with Bobbie Miller, Ger McKendrick and Tam Hall from the West Lothian Youth Justice Family Support Team during the first session at Tynecastle.

Onside

The nine-week programme will include attending a Hearts match and will also involve the following activities which are based in-house at Tynecastle and at the Hearts Football Academy:

  • Fitness
  • Drugs/Alcohol - effects on performance
  • Show Racism the Red Card
  • How to write a match report
  • Respect for others
  • Negotiation skills
  • Rules of the game
  • Rules for supporters (involving Rock Steady and Lothian & Border's Police)
  • Press Conference
  • Practical coaching sessions with Hearts coaches
  • End of course football match at the Hearts Football Academy

    Community development manager Alan White said, "This programme is the first of it's kind based in Edinburgh and we are delighted to be building another excellent relationship with West Lothian Council after the recent success of the Kick Start initiative.

    "The young men involved in the programme are from a variety of backgrounds and all have their own individual goals and aspirations. As a club we are pleased to be welcoming them to Tynecastle to provide the very best support we can in addition to a fun and interactive experience."

    For more information on this initiative please contact:

    Bobbie Miller, West Lothian Youth Justice Family Support Team, bobbie.miller@westlothian.gov.uk

    Alan White, Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust, alan@homplc.co.uk