Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown has praised a cross-party summit , hosted by First Minister John Swinney, focusing on youth violence and its impact on young people across Scotland.
The summit, which Ms Brown attended in her capacity as Minister for Victims and Community Safety, brought together young victims of violence, their families, victim support organisations, political leaders, and representatives from COSLA.
The summit provided a platform for young voices to be heard directly by government ministers.
At the meeting, young people and their representatives shared powerful and personal stories of their experiences with violence, both in person and online, highlighting the devastating impact on their lives.
In her Ministerial capacity Siobhian Brown was pleased to participate in this important cross-party gathering alongside other key figures, including Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth and Justice Secretary Angela Constance. The summit was sparked by a request from Kaylynn Donald and her mother Vicky, who met with the First Minister in August and asked for a dedicated space to discuss youth violence and potential solutions.
Commenting Siobhian Brown MSP said:
“It was truly an honour to attend this summit today, where I had the privilege of listening to the powerful voices of young people sharing their personal stories. The impact of youth violence is profound, and as policymakers, it is our responsibility to listen, understand, and take meaningful action to protect our young people. That’s why I feel this summit was so important. I commend all the participants for their bravery, and I stand with the First Minister and my colleagues in ensuring that we continue to work towards solutions that make a real difference in the lives of those affected.”
This summit marks a significant step in tackling youth violence, with a commitment from all parties to work together on addressing the root causes and ensuring young people feel safe, supported, and heard.
