International Youth Day

Today, 12^th August, is International Youth Day. The day celebrates the determination, creativity and leadership of young people everywhere.

Young people have huge dreams and the drive to create change. We see this first-hand in our prevention workshops in schools. These workshops give young people space to discuss their questions and concerns and help young people develop the skills and confidence to be able to make and maintain healthy, consensual and safe relationships with their peers and others.

Harry, our sexual violence prevention worker, writes about her experience in workshops and what working with young people is like to mark this day and to celebrate the work Moray’s young people are doing to help create change.

“It is a real privilege and fun experience for me to go into High Schools in Moray and meet with really bright, friendly, intuitive and curious children/young adults during their PSE lessons.

The way our young people engage with one another in the workshops shows me how determined they are to have really healthy friendships and relationships that help build the safety and community spirit in Moray.

Hearing what they have to say about what their lives look like day to day is really insightful and through our working together in a safe, non-judgmental space, we have the opportunity to listen to their voices and encourage each other to shape an environment they can all thrive in.”

Stalking Awareness Week 2025

This week (21st-25th April) is Stalking Awareness Week. The week aims to make people more aware of what stalking is and how it might affect a victim/survivor. There are many myths and misconceptions about what stalking looks like and who perpetrates it. We hope this blog helps to shed some light on the issue and combats some of the myths and misconceptions by answering some frequently asked questions.

Human Rights Day 2024

Today is the United Nations Human Rights Day. It takes place on the 10th December every year and marks the end of 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence, a global campaign calling for an end to all forms of gender based violence. 

The theme for this year’s Human Rights Day is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” and it is a powerful statement that can empower people to stand up for human rights and recognise the power they have in making a change.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (Oct 17)

Today (Thursday October 17th) is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It’s a day to raise awareness, eliminate shame and stigma, and signpost to support.

Poverty is “when a person’s resources are not sufficient to meet their minimum needs to participate in society” (Joseph Rowntree Foundation). This can mean a lack of physical or financial resources, including clothing, food, housing, and fuel or employment, benefits, and pension. It can also mean a lack of opportunity for participation in society, including missing out on social activities or a lack of a social network to help with childcare or household tasks.

Moray ranks 14th out of 32 council areas in Scotland (1st is the highest rates) for poverty levels. This is in part due to a lower average wage in the area than the Scottish average, meaning Moray is less resilient to the rising cost of living. Nearly a quarter of Moray’s children live in poverty. (Moray Council)

Poverty in Moray is often hidden, particularly due to the rural nature of the area. The Cost of Living crisis (increasing cost of food, fuel, and energy), lack of (accesible and affordable) resources in rural areas, and limited access to employment and higher wages means it’s harder to earn income, and harder to buy essentials (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation).