North Ayrshire Youth Services are back this summer to deliver FREE youth work activities events across a host of local venues over the school break.

The team will be joining forces with North Ayrshire Libraries to deliver a series of cyber sessions this summer.

And the fun starts tomorrow (Saturday, August 3) at Kilwinning library.

Delivered by youth work modern apprentices, the sessions focus on cyber resilience and online safety, young people’s rights online, digital technologies, inclusion, and digital opportunities to learn online or take the next step in employment.

Youth Work Modern Apprentice, Kieva Muirhead said: “We are so looking forward to delivering the sessions as part of our Cyber Roadshow as everyone who comes along will have the chance to use our iPads, create their own digital art and also have a chance to learn new skills like coding.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to get back on the road, visiting more libraries to deliver our cyber programme over the summer as the learnings are really important, especially the online safety element.

“As a young person, I know how important being digitally connected is to young people. But there can be a dark side too.

“We want to empower young people to know the dangers of online and how to protect themselves against cyber-attacks.

"The team are also keen to encourage local people to utilise the power of online and apps to help them overcome obstacles, improve mental health, build connections and support residents to achieve their aspirations and goals.”

The free drop-in sessions for all ages will take place over the coming weeks as follows:

  • Saturday, August 3 at Kilwinning Library (10am – 12pm)
  • Saturday, August 17 at Irvine Library (10am – 12pm)
  • Saturday, August 31 at Dalry Library (10am – 12pm)
  • Saturday, September 14 at West Kilbride Library (10 am – 12pm)

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands said: “Thank you to Youth Services and North Ayrshire Libraries for this brilliant summer programme for our communities.

“The cyber sessions are a brilliant example of the council’s work involving #UNCRCNorthAyrshire where our services are championing children and young people’s rights and raising awareness of how they can express themselves freely while protecting their identity.

“In an increasingly digital world, it is important that we do all that we can to prevent digital exclusion so that residents can realise their potential through the power of digital devices and online learning, free from barriers.

“I would encourage families, children and young people to save the dates for the upcoming digital drop-in sessions so that they too can benefit and be better equipped to look after their wellbeing both on and offline, learning new skills along the way.”

Look out via the Youth Services and Libraries social media pages for updates, photos and more info on what is happening this summer near you.