Moving from Primary to Secondary School is a particularly important period of transition for young people. One of Granton’s most successful and earliest age group is the Transition Group, which aims to support young people through youth work methods during this challenging time in their lives.

This group of young people forms the largest part of our work. Between these ages, young people are testing out boundaries, learning about themselves and others and developing into adults. Granton Youth Centre tries to work where the young people are at in terms of their development, which makes this group challenging as well as rewarding to work with. Young people get to plan a programme of activities, as well as being given the option of opting into a variety of project work.  Highlights for this group includes trip out of the centre, fun and games inside and regular make and munch sessions.

The TNT group follows on the work of the 11-13 group, and builds on earlier work, examining issues such as sexual health, drug awareness, and positive lifestyles. Much of the work of this group happens outwith the Centre, making use of additional resources in the community such as outdoor facilities and sports centres.  The ever expanding group’s programme includes inputs from Caledonian Youth, Fast Forward and Edinburgh Leisure.  The programme has a mix of play, social and educational and includes loads of time to enjoy being at that Kevin and Perry stage of life.

The 16+ Chill Zone is a DEDICATED CHILL SPACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 16+.  This slot on a Friday evening was specifically asked for by young people who wanted a space to chill with their mates, have game of pool, listen to some music and feed their faces!  It has a special mix of being laid back, relaxed and open space for discussions on any topics and some input on issues raised by the young people including gambling, housing and debt issues.

There is a girls group that young women can get involved in which can be both issue-based as well as activity based. Creative ways of exploring self-esteem using familiar methods such as beauty therapy might be a typical session. Other sessions have included self-defence, smoking cessation and relaxation.

Most boys work focuses on an activity programme, with opportunities for male staff to talk to boys should issues arise. Though currently less formal than the girls work at the Centre, we feel that exclusive work with boys is an important growing area of our work at Granton.