A Falkirk charity which aims to ensure children and young people have their voice, views and rights heard when it comes to decisions that impact their life, has been prised for its work.
Staff at the Quarriers' Falkirk Children's Rights Service were visited by Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson earlier this week.
During his visit Mr Matheson heard about the current challenges that young people are facing and how the FCRS has implemented an engagement plan to mitigate the worries of local young people.
This includes a dedicated programme which is focused on ensuring young people across the Falkirk distirct can meaningfully participate in democratic decision making.
The service supports more than 28 people is supported by Falkirk Council.
Andy Williamson, Deputy Chief Executive and Service Director said: "Enabling our next generation and future decision makers to have the confidence to make important life decisions is invaluable, and the team at FCRS has built a fantastic and trusted network with young people across the Falkirk region to help accomplish this.
"We are very proud of the work delivered across the community and hearing from the service users about the skills they are consistently growing is rewarding.
"We were very pleased to have welcomed Mr Matheson and his team to the centre today to see the direct impact the project is having on participation in democratic decision making, and ultimately helping to craft the future of Scotland."
Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, said: "It was a pleasure to meet with Quarriers, Falkirk Children’s Rights Service and Falkirk West MSYPs to discuss issues affecting young people, and what services they deliver to young people in the district.
"It is inspiring to see how engaged our next generation is, and how they are learning about their rights.
"It is encouraging to see the progress in engaging and empowering young people, and giving them a platform to speak about issues important to them."
