One of our HHVN members has let us know of some exciting projects she is working on with young people in the North and we are happy to share her news. Roxana Meechan in her ‘day job’ is a Youth Development Officer for the Golspie High School Integrated Learning Community and covers Kinbrace, Helmsdale, Brora, Golspie, Rogart, Lairg and Rosehall. She has just secured funding for the B-XAFE project from Local Action Fund and Scottish Arts Council Youth Music Initiative. B-XAFE, a sexual health peer education and animation project, will have a group of young people, aged 14-18 years produce a piece of video art/animation. This piece of art work will be an advert made by young people for young people on how to “Be Safe”. Roxana is now ready to recruit the artists, youth worker and participants. If you are interested in finding more about this project contact Roxana on 01408 633500 or roxana.meechan@highland.gov.uk

Get on Board! is an integrated youth group with and without additional needs who have been producing posters and video clips connected to health during workshops facilitated by Roxana herself.

Formally an Arts Development Officer, Roxana became interested in the role of Arts in health and started to develop youth health related projects using the Arts and New Media as the tool. For example one method to help prevent bullying and abuse is this image created by young people to give others the confidence to speak out. Over the next few months Roxana will keep us up to speed with what’s going on.