14/09/2026
Hear from Mellow’s National Development Officer and Practitioner, Stewart McLean’s recent delivery of Mellow for Young People đź’:
I recently completed the delivery of a Mellow for Young People group alongside Hannah and Lucy from Action for Children.
At the start of each session, the young people negotiated with one another and decided which warm-up activity they would like to take part in before everyone moved through to the lounge area and the soft seating. It was interesting to see some of the young people, who were initially a bit hesitant during the first few sessions, gradually feel that they were able to participate more, especially with some of the movement activities, and also take more of a leading role in decision-making.
The young people also decided each week what they would like to have for dinner, which was kindly prepared by either Hannah or Lucy.
As part of the celebration to mark the young people’s achievements and the completion of their participation in Mellow for Young People, they planned and were supported to arrange an activity of their choice. The young people suggested a range of ideas. Some options were ruled out as not all group members would have been able to take part, or because other practical considerations made them unsuitable. After discussion and agreement, the group decided that they wanted to go for lunch in Falkirk, before heading to the indoor karting track in Larbert. A bus was also arranged to transport them from the Action for Children building to both venues, and then back again. The young people enjoyed their day out which was arranged for the last full week of the school summer holidays.
Hopefully, as you are reading this, the themes of participation, young people’s voices, and supported decision-making are standing out. The funding we receive through The National Lottery Young Start programme is centred on providing children and young people with opportunities to have their voices heard, make meaningful choices, and influence the activities and support they receive.
Throughout the Mellow for Young People programme, participants were encouraged and empowered to make decisions together, from planning weekly activities and meals to choosing how they wished to celebrate their achievements at the end of the group. This approach helped to build confidence, develop decision-making skills and strengthen relationships, and supported the young people to take ownership of their experience, demonstrating the positive impact and aims of Young Start funding in action.
